Approximately 1 in 8 people in the United States (13% or 30 million) aged 12 years or older has hearing loss in both ears. Roughly 1 in 3 individuals between 65 and 74 years has hearing loss. So, it’s important to be aware of the common causes and signs of hearing loss to ensure you receive the proper medical attention without delay.
What causes hearing loss?
- Debris in the Ear Canal
A build-up of cerumen (“ear wax”), skin, outer ear infection, or foreign bodies can occlude the canal and prevent proper transmission of sound. - Ruptured Tympanic Membrane
Sudden pressure changes, excessive noise exposure, or contact with foreign objects are among some causes of traumatic damage to the “ear drum.” - Middle Ear Infection
The space behind the tympanic membrane should be an air-filled cavity. When this area becomes filled with fluid, sound waves cannot pass through the auditory system correctly. - Disruption of the Ossicular Chain
Behind the tympanic membrane are the body’s three smallest bones. They play a large role in passing sound from the outer ear into the inner ear. When growths or ossification obscure this portion of the system, a loss in hearing is usually noted. - Damage to the Inner Ear
Aging and exposure to loud noise can lead to damage on hair cells of the inner ear system, which are responsible for sending sound signals to the brain.
What are the signs and symptoms of hearing loss?
- Difficulty understanding speech, especially in background noise
- Frequently requesting repetition
- Voices sounds muffled or garbled
- Turning up the television, phone, or radio volume
- Difficulty discerning where sounds are coming from
- Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or roaring not present in the room)
- Withdrawal from conversations
- Avoidance of social situations
When do I need to see a specialist?
Hearing is crucial for so many parts of your daily routine no matter your lifestyle. With diminished hearing, you lose many of your connections to the world around you that are vital to your quality of life. As with most medical conditions, the outcomes are markedly improved with early intervention. When left unmanaged, hearing loss is associated with isolation, depression, and cognitive decline.
Whether you are attending business meetings, volunteering, taking children to extracurricular activities, teaching class, participating in conventions, socializing at restaurants, catching up with loved ones on the phone, or enjoying the outdoors, you deserve to hear the many dynamic sounds of this life.
If you suspect you may have hearing loss, the expert audiologists at Greater Knoxville ENT are here to assist you. We will thoroughly assess your hearing, discuss your listening concerns, and work with you to create your personalized plan. To request an appointment, give us a call at (865) 521-8050.