Symptoms of hearing loss
Recognising the symptoms of hearing loss is the first step to understanding both the type of hearing loss and the grade. In most cases patients suffer from Conductive, Sensorineural and Mixed hearing loss.
Hearing loss occurs gradually in most cases as we age but can also be incurred by prolonged exposure to loud noises, trauma to the head or ear or ototoxic medicines.
Common symptoms of hearing loss
- Difficulty understanding conversations
- Asking people to repeat themselves
- Listening to music or watching TV with the volume higher than other people need
- Feeling stressed having to over concentrate on conversations
- Difficulty listening to conversations on the phone
- Inability to hear high-pitched tones
Can I have hearing loss in one ear?
Hearing loss that is present in one ear is referred to as unilateral hearing loss as oppose to bilateral hearing loss(hearing loss in both ears). Unilateral hearing loss can also be both sensorineural and conductive.
Unilateral hearing loss can also be caused due to an obstruction or malformation of the inner ear. Bone or tissue growth can also cause the sound waves to be obstructed causing hearing loss. Alternatively compacted ear wax can also obstruct the ear canal. In this instance, Microsuction ear wax removal is the recommended approach.
Potential causes of hearing loss
- Genetics – It can be inherited from birth.
- Trauma – Injuries to the head or ear can cause hearing loss.
- An acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) can result in unilateral hearing loss.
- Chronic bacterial or ear infections.
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