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Hearing loss refers to a reduced ability to hear sounds or a complete inability to hear certain frequencies or pitches. It can affect one or both ears and can vary in degree, ranging from mild to profound. Hearing loss can occur at different stages of life and can be temporary or permanent.
There are two main types of hearing loss:
1. Conductive Hearing Loss: This type of hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with the conduction of sound through the outer or middle ear. It may result from conditions such as earwax blockage, fluid buildup in the middle ear, ear infections, or abnormalities in the ear's structure. Conductive hearing loss is often treatable and can be temporary or reversible with medical intervention.
2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss: This type of hearing loss occurs when there is damage or dysfunction in the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve pathways. Sensorineural hearing loss is typically permanent and results from factors such as age-related changes (presbycusis), prolonged exposure to loud noises, certain medications, genetic factors, or medical conditions like Ménière's disease or otosclerosis. It can affect the ability to perceive different frequencies and understand speech clearly.
There is also a third type called mixed hearing loss, which is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, where both the conduction of sound and the inner ear function are affected.
The symptoms of hearing loss can vary depending on the degree and type of hearing loss. Some common signs of hearing loss include:
1. Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.
2. Frequently asking others to repeat themselves or speak louder.
3. Turning up the volume of the television or radio to higher levels than others.
4. Struggling to hear high-pitched sounds or consonant sounds (e.g., "s," "sh," "f").
5. Feeling that others mumble or speak unclearly.
6. Avoiding social situations or withdrawing from conversations due to difficulty hearing.
7. Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing sounds) in the ears.
8. Having difficulty hearing on the telephone.
9. Misunderstanding or misinterpreting conversations.
A hearing test, also known as an audiometric evaluation, is a process that assesses an individual's hearing abilities. It involves a series of tests conducted by our hearing healthcare professional Audiologist. Here's a general overview of how a hearing test works:
1. Case History: The hearing healthcare professional will begin by discussing your medical history and asking questions about any specific concerns, symptoms, or exposure to loud noises.
2. Examination: The professional may visually inspect your ears using an otoscope to check for any visible abnormalities or blockages, such as excessive earwax or structural issues.
3. Pure-Tone Audiometry: This test measures your hearing sensitivity across different frequencies or pitches. You will typically wear headphones or insert earphones, and a series of tones will be played at various frequencies and volumes. You will indicate when you hear the tones by pressing a button or raising your hand. This test helps determine the softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies.
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