Kinds of Hearing Impairment

Age-related Deafness

With growing age there is loss in the ability to hear. It is a gradual process. There can be decrease in the clarity of speech or slight hearing loss. Age-related deafness can be the result of exposure to noise. The tiny, bony structures of the middle ear may become rigid so less sound vibrations may pass from the outer ear to the inner ear.

Symptoms There is a decreased ability to hear speech clearly and hearing loss of sounds in certain ranges or frequencies. Similar speech sounds may become difficult to distinguish. Background noise can make this even more difficult. Friends and family may notice the hearing loss before the person with the hearing loss does.

Treatment Earing aids are a common treatment for age-related hearing loss. Sound is amplified with the help of hearing aids. Many types of hearing aids are available and many can be personalized to meet the specific needs of the individual. Presence of tinnitus may also be reduced with the help of hearing aids.Tinnitus is a condition in which a person hears sounds like ringing, buzzing, or crackling that may not be present in the person’s environment.

Noise-Induced Deafness

One can lose hearing ability due to exposure to noise.This is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. Because of loud noises Tinnitus may also occur. If such kind of deafness occurs suddenly it is called auditory trauma. Examples of an auditory trauma are noises from an explosion, firecrackers, or gunshot. Sometimes sudden change in air pressure along with loud noises can also cause such deafness. Auditory trauma can rupture the eardrum. Loud noises in an industrial setting cause a kind of deafness known as Industrial Deafness. This type of hearing loss is most common in people who work in industrial settings with excessive noise. They must use protective gear such as earplugs etc to prevent such a kind of mishap.

Workers in other fields are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Occupational hearing loss is common among firefighters and musicians. Some manufacturing settings have excessive noise that can put the workers at risk for hearing loss.

Some people may not realize the danger of loud noise. Loud music as is common at rock concerts has been known to cause hearing loss. If one is exposed to loud sound (including music) at high levels or for extended durations (85 dB A or greater), then hearing impairment can occur. Sound levels increase with proximity; as the source is brought closer to the ear, the sound level increases.

Treatment may include use of hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and cochlear implants.