Hearing Aids: Level of Hearing Loss

Hearing aids are often recommended for people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. This level of hearing loss can significantly impact communication in daily life, but hearing aids can help restore sound clarity, which improves quality of life. For moderate-to-profound hearing loss, hearing implants, such as middle ear implants and cochlear implants, may be an option.

Understanding Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be caused by various factors:

• Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, develops over time and often affects high frequencies.
• Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by sustained or sudden exposure to noise.
• Illnesses, such as middle ear infections or ménière’s disease, can cause hearing loss.
• Genetic factors can also play a role.
• Ototoxic medications, such as certain antibiotics or chemotherapy, can cause hearing loss.
• Injuries to the ear or head can also cause hearing loss.

And there are different degrees of hearing loss, ranging from mild to profound. The level of hearing loss is measured in decibels (dB). The levels of hearing loss and their effects on hearing are shown in the graphic below.

Signs You Might Need a Hearing Aid

If you know what signs to look for, you can assess and treat your hearing loss early. There are common indicators that could mean you could benefit from a hearing test.

When to Consider Getting a Hearing Aid

Without the proper hearing solution, hearing loss can get worse. Early intervention can help reduce consequences such as:

• Compromised communication and daily function, caused by speech understanding difficulties, miscommunication, and errors and increased listening effort (fatigue)
• Educational and occupational impact
• Social isolation and relationship strain: Many people withdraw socially to avoid misunderstandings.
• Increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia due to less auditory stimulation of the brain.
• Increased risk of accidents: It is more difficult to hear warning signals in traffic or at home.
• Psychological stress: Limited communication can cause frustration or depression.

Hearing Tests and Diagnosis

If you have the feeling you may have hearing loss, you should act promptly. A hearing test to find out what sounds you can hear can help diagnose hearing loss:

1. Schedule an appointment with an ENT doctor or acoustician and get your hearing tested professionally.
2. If recommended, try out various hearing aids and compare the advantages.
3. Find the right hearing solution (medication, surgery, hearing aids, hearing implants) for your needs.
4. Schedule regular check-ups and fittings to get the best hearing results.

Hearing aids and hearing implants can greatly improve quality of life for people with hearing loss. Don’t wait too long—support your hearing with the right solution!

Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants

You may be wondering what the difference between a hearing aid and a cochlear implant is. One important difference is what level of hearing loss they are for. A hearing aid is for mild-to-moderate hearing loss and a cochlear implant can treat more severe hearing loss.

There are other differences between hearing aids and cochlear implants as well, such as how the technology works, the design of the devices, and how they sound.

Staying Connected With Sound

Don’t miss out on the beautiful sounds around you. There are excellent solutions available for all levels of hearing loss. Hearing aids and cochlear implants are like glasses for your ears, so take advantage of the sound you can get back with these hearing solutions.