Hearing loss is one of the most common problems in the elderly. Individuals older than 65 often experience some degree of loss in hearing. 

In this health article let us know more about:

  • Causes for hearing loss
  • Types of hearing loss
  • How to identify the signs of hearing loss
  • Treatment for hearing loss

Causes of Hearing Loss

Over exposure to loud and harsh noises and ear tissue wear and tear with progressing age is the commonest cause for hearing loss in the elderly. The other causes include:

  • Ear infection
  • Wax build-up in the ear blocking the auditory apparatus
  • Perforated ear drum
  • Medical conditions like labyrinthitis, Meniere’s disease, etc.

Types of Hearing Loss

  • Sensorineural hearing loss - affects the inner ear and is often due to damage to the auditory nerve. This is usually a permanent type of hearing loss.
  • Conductive hearing loss - affects middle and outer ear and is often caused by ear infections, ear wax, or ruptured eardrum. This hearing loss can be corrected by treatment (both medical and surgical)
  • Mixed hearing loss - includes both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss

How to Identify the Signs of Hearing Loss?

It may be difficult to say if you are experiencing hearing loss. Consider you may be developing hearing loss if you are:

  • having trouble hearing and understanding when someone speaks to you 
  • often asking people to repeat what they said
  • often requesting people to speak loudly, slowly, and clearly 
  • hearing muffled sounds
  • facing difficulty understanding words when more than two people are involved in the conversation or in presence of other background noises
  • feeling the need to turn up TV or radio volume so much that others complain about the volume

When to Consult Your doctor?

You should consult your otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) if you are experiencing:

  • A sudden loss of hearing in one or both ears without an apparent reason or after an ear infection
  • A sudden hearing loss coupled with dizziness
  • If you are experiencing gradual loss of hearing over a period of few weeks

Treatment for Hearing Loss

In most cases hearing loss is irreversible, but your doctor will take certain measures to improve your hearing. The treatment measures include:

  • Medications if you are experiencing hearing loss due to ear infections
  • Removal of ear wax
  • Surgical correction of perforated or ruptured eardrum
  • Hearing aids and implants

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