Hearing loss is an issue that can affect anyone, especially as we age. While many of us might experience gradual changes in our hearing, others may face sudden, noticeable shifts due to illness or loud environments.
It’s important to recognise the signs early so you can take steps to manage hearing health effectively.
At ConnectAbility, we work closely with clients to provide tailored support for hearing care, ensuring that everyone gets access to the services they need to maintain a good quality of life.
Identifying the Early Signs of Hearing Loss
Recognising the symptoms of hearing loss can make a significant difference in preventing long-term issues. Here are the most common signs to look out for:
1. Difficulty Hearing Consonants
One of the early signs is difficulty understanding consonants in speech. Consonants are softer sounds compared to vowels, so if you’re frequently mishearing or missing words, especially in conversations, it could be an indicator that your hearing is declining.
2. Muffled Sounds
If voices or sounds around you seem distant or muffled, it might be more than just temporary ear blockage. This symptom is often associated with hearing loss and should prompt you to seek a hearing test.
3. Struggling to Hear in Crowded Places
Our brains are designed to filter background noise so we can focus on conversations in busy environments. If you notice it’s becoming harder to hear in restaurants or crowded places, this could be a sign of hearing impairment.
4. Frequently Asking People to Repeat Themselves
If you’re constantly asking people to repeat what they’ve said or to speak more loudly, it could be a sign that your hearing ability has changed. This is often more noticeable to your family and friends before you realise it yourself.
5. Uneven Hearing Between Ears
Hearing loss doesn’t always happen equally in both ears. If you find that one ear hears better than the other, it’s a strong indicator that you need a professional hearing assessment.
6. Familiar Sounds Seem Different
When familiar sounds like music, your pet’s noises, or the voices of loved ones start to sound different or less clear, it might be due to the loss of certain sound frequencies. This gradual change can alter your overall hearing experience.
Common Causes
Understanding the underlying causes of hearing loss can help you identify the risks and take appropriate action.
1. Ageing (Presbycusis)
As we age, the hair cells in the cochlea (the part of the ear that interprets sound) naturally degrade. This age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, typically begins to become noticeable around the age of 65 and can progress as we get older.
It’s important to note that this form of hearing loss is irreversible, but it can be managed with proper interventions like hearing aids.
2. Exposure to Loud Noises
Prolonged or sudden exposure to loud noises can cause permanent damage to the cochlea’s hair cells. This can result from events like concerts, construction work, or even frequent use of headphones at high volumes. Over time, this damage accumulates and can lead to hearing impairment.
This type of hearing loss can be prevented by wearing proper hearing protection in noisy environments and keeping volume levels at a safe range.
3. Earwax Buildup
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is produced naturally to protect your ear from dust and bacteria. However, if it accumulates excessively, it can block the ear canal and cause temporary hearing loss. Regular cleaning by a healthcare professional can help prevent this issue.
4. Ruptured Eardrum
A ruptured eardrum can result from sudden loud noises, abrupt changes in ear pressure (such as during air travel or scuba diving), or inserting objects like cotton buds too deeply into the ear.
This can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss, depending on the severity of the rupture. Medical attention is essential to avoid infection or further complications.
5. Medications
Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics like gentamicin, and even high doses of aspirin, can cause hearing damage or tinnitus (ringing in the ears). It’s important to discuss any potential side effects with your doctor, especially if you’re taking medications that could impact your hearing.
6. Genetic Factors
Hearing loss can be hereditary, affecting the inner ear due to genetic conditions. If you have a family history of this condition, it’s wise to monitor your hearing health closely as you age.
Types of Hearing Loss
Understanding the type you’re experiencing is crucial to determining the appropriate treatment. There are three main types:
1. Sensorineural
This occurs due to damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. Ageing, loud noise exposure, and genetic factors are common causes. While it cannot be cured, hearing aids can significantly improve quality of life for individuals with this condition.
2. Conductive
This was caused by a blockage or problem in the outer or middle ear that prevents sound from being properly conducted to the inner ear. Causes include earwax buildup, fluid in the middle ear, or ear infections.
This type is often treatable through medical procedures or medication.
3. Mixed
A combination of sensorineural and conductive issues. For example, someone might have long-term impairment from noise exposure and also experience temporary conductive problems due to earwax buildup.
A comprehensive hearing test can help identify the specific issues and guide treatment.
Why It Happens and What You Can Do
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is a natural part of the ageing process. As we get older, changes in the inner ear make it harder to hear high-pitched sounds, understand speech in noisy environments, or keep up with conversations.
This condition tends to affect both ears equally and can progress so gradually that many may not notice it until it’s significantly advanced.
It’s crucial to address this early, as untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, depression, and even cognitive decline. People with hearing difficulties may withdraw from social activities because they struggle to follow conversations, which can result in loneliness.
Furthermore, not addressing hearing problems can increase the risk of accidents, as crucial sounds like alarms, car horns, or verbal warnings may go unnoticed.
Getting a Hearing Test
If you recognise any of the signs, the next step is to get a hearing test. Regular hearing tests are essential for maintaining good hearing health, especially as you age. In Australia, the Hearing Services Program provides subsidised hearing services and devices to eligible individuals.
At ConnectAbility, we help our clients navigate the process of getting their hearing checked. We connect them with trusted hearing test providers and offer support through our aged care services.
A typical hearing test is quick, non-invasive, and can provide immediate insights into your hearing health.
Treatment Options
The best treatment depends on its cause and type. Treatment options typically fall into three main categories:
1. Medical Treatment
For conductive hearing loss, medical treatment can resolve the issue. This might involve removing earwax, treating an infection with antibiotics, or performing surgery to correct structural problems in the ear.
2. Hearing Aids
For sensorineural hearing loss, hearing aids are the most common solution. Modern hearing aids are highly advanced and come in various styles to suit different preferences and needs.
They amplify sounds and help people hear more clearly in various environments. It’s important to get professionally fitted hearing aids to ensure optimal comfort and performance.
3. Cochlear Implants
In cases of severe hearing loss where hearing aids aren’t effective, cochlear implants may be recommended. These devices bypass damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. Cochlear implants require surgery and are typically reserved for individuals with profound hearing challenges.
The Importance of Professional Fitting for Hearing Aids
A well-fitted hearing aid can drastically improve your quality of life, but poorly fitted devices can cause discomfort and fail to deliver the benefits you need. At ConnectAbility Australia, we strongly advise against purchasing hearing aids online without professional consultation.
A hearing specialist will assess your specific hearing needs, fit the device properly, and ensure you’re getting the maximum benefit from your hearing aids.
Personalised Hearing Support at ConnectAbility
We understand how important hearing is to everyday life. Whether it’s hearing your favourite song, engaging in conversation with family, or listening to the sounds of nature, hearing enriches life.
If you’re experiencing hearing loss, we’re here to help. Our case managers can guide you through the entire process, from arranging a hearing test to helping you access funding for hearing aids or other treatments.
We believe in providing personalised support that’s tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring that our clients stay connected to the world around them.
Conclusion
Hearing loss is a common experience, especially as we age, but it doesn’t have to diminish your quality of life. By recognising the early signs, getting regular hearing tests, and seeking the right treatment, you can maintain your hearing health and continue enjoying the sounds that matter most to you. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing changes, don’t hesitate to reach out to your ConnectAbility case manager for guidance and support in accessing the best hearing care available.