Kinds of Hearing Impairment
Contents
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.
