Hearing Loss Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Hearing changes can happen slowly, sometimes making it harder to enjoy everyday conversations. The good news is that effective hearing loss treatments are available, including hearing aids and medical care. If you’re concerned, reaching out to an Audiologist is a positive first step.

What causes hearing loss?

Hearing loss can happen at any stage of life, but it is most common as we age because the inner ear can start to show the effects of time, making it increasingly difficult to process sounds with clarity. Factors that can negatively affect hearing health at any age include:

  • Repeated exposure to loud noise, like concerts or noisy work environments
  • Certain medications, especially when taken in large doses and/or over a prolonged period of time
  • Illness, infection, and injury, especially to the ears or head
  • Excess earwax buildup

Understanding the factors surrounding hearing loss helps you take proactive steps in protecting your hearing.

What are the symptoms of hearing loss?

Many people realize they have a hearing problem when they start missing words in a conversation or regularly ask others to repeat themselves. Another common sign is turning the TV or music volume up higher than friends or family find comfortable. Some individuals notice ringing or buzzing in their ears, known as tinnitus.

Over time, these symptoms can lead to feelings of frustration, social withdrawal, or fatigue from trying so hard to follow what people are saying. Contact us today if you notice any of these symptoms of hearing loss:

  • Words sound unclear or muffled
  • Background noise makes it harder to hear what you’re trying to listen to
  • It’s hard to hear the softer sounds of dialogue in a movie or play
  • You’re avoiding or disengaging from social settings because hearing is a challenge
  • You’re struggling with basic cognitive functions like memory

Are there different types of hearing loss?

The three main types of hearing loss are sensorineural, conductive, and mixed.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common, happening when the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged. Because the delicate cells in the inner ear can’t repair themselves, this type is usually permanent, but it can be managed with hearing aids or, in more severe cases, cochlear implants.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when something blocks sound from moving through the outer or middle ear, such as earwax, fluid from an infection, or a punctured eardrum. Unlike sensorineural loss, conductive hearing loss is often temporary and may be corrected through medical treatment, minor procedures, or surgery, depending on the cause.

Mixed Hearing Loss

Sometimes both forms occur together, leading to mixed hearing loss. In this case, part of the loss may be reversible if the blockage is treated, but the inner ear damage will likely still need to be managed with hearing devices. Knowing which type of hearing loss you have is important, because it helps specialists recommend the best treatment plan to protect your hearing and quality of life.

What are the treatments for hearing loss?

For many people, hearing aids are the most effective solution. Today’s devices do much more than make sounds louder – they enhance clarity and reduce background noise. Modern hearing aids now use machine learning–powered sound balancing to sharpen voices and clarify sounds in real time. Many also offer Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect seamlessly with phones, TVs, and other devices.

Additionally, assistive listening devices, such as TV amplifiers or smartphone apps, can provide added support in specific situations like watching movies or talking on the phone. Each advancement in hearing health technology is designed with one goal in mind: helping you stay connected and maintain your quality of life.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Addressing hearing loss promptly can provide powerful benefits, including:

Slowing further hearing loss – By reducing the need to keep turning up the volume, hearing aids may help protect your ears from additional noise-related damage.
Staying socially connected – Treating hearing loss makes conversations easier, helping you stay engaged with friends, family, and your community.
Supporting mental well-being – By lowering the risk of isolation, hearing aids can reduce the chance of depression or anxiety.
Easing tinnitus symptoms – Many people with hearing loss also experience tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears). Treating hearing loss often helps, and some hearing aids include built-in tinnitus relief features.

Take the Next Step

Stop struggling to hear conversations – enjoy the return to hearing health you deserve.

Call 555-555-5555 or contact us online to schedule an appointment at ABC Hearing Aid Center today.