Hearing is one of our most vital senses, allowing us to communicate, connect, and stay aware of our surroundings. Yet, hearing loss often develops slowly, making it hard to notice in the early stages. Recognising the symptoms and types of hearing loss can help you seek timely medical care and prevent further deterioration.
At Kaushik ENT Hospital, Udaipur, advanced hearing assessments and treatments help patients regain clarity and confidence in daily communication.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss is a partial or complete inability to hear sounds in one or both ears. It can be mild, moderate, severe, or profound, depending on how much sound perception is affected. Hearing loss can occur suddenly due to injury or infection, or gradually due to aging or prolonged noise exposure.
Understanding the symptoms and the type of hearing loss is the first step toward effective treatment.
Common Symptoms of Hearing Loss
While symptoms can vary, most people experience some of the following:
- Difficulty understanding conversations – especially in noisy environments or when multiple people are talking.
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
- Increasing TV or mobile volume higher than usual.
- Feeling that others are mumbling or speaking too softly.
- Avoiding social gatherings due to hearing difficulty.
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus).
- Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears.
- Dizziness or imbalance in some cases.
If you notice any of these, it’s important to consult an ENT specialist or audiologist for a thorough evaluation.
Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be categorized into three main types depending on where the problem occurs in the ear.
1. Conductive Hearing Loss : This occurs when sound waves cannot pass efficiently through the outer or middle ear. Common causes include earwax buildup, ear infections, fluid in the middle ear, or a damaged eardrum.
Treatment: Conductive hearing loss is often temporary and can be treated with medications, ear cleaning, or minor surgery.
2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss : This is caused by damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve that carries signals to the brain. It is the most common type of permanent hearing loss.
Causes: Aging, loud noise exposure, certain medications, head trauma, or viral infections.
Treatment: While it cannot always be reversed, it can be managed effectively with hearing aids or cochlear implants.
3. Mixed Hearing Loss : As the name suggests, mixed hearing loss combines both conductive and sensorineural components. It involves problems in both the outer/middle ear and inner ear or nerve pathway.
Treatment: A combination of medical, surgical, and assistive device therapies is often used.
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
It’s easy to dismiss mild hearing issues as temporary, but delaying diagnosis can worsen the problem. Seek immediate medical attention if:
- You struggle to follow conversations.
- Family members complain you keep the TV too loud.
- You hear ringing or buzzing in your ears.
- You experience ear pain, discharge, or sudden hearing loss.
- You feel unbalanced or dizzy.
Early detection can make a significant difference in restoring hearing and preventing permanent loss.
Diagnosis at Kaushik ENT Hospital, Udaipur
At Kaushik ENT Hospital, under the expertise of Dr. Shiv Shanker Kaushik, advanced hearing evaluations are performed using the latest diagnostic tools such as:
- Audiometry Test – measures hearing sensitivity.
- BERA Test (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry) – evaluates auditory nerve function.
- Tympanometry – checks middle ear function and fluid buildup.
Once diagnosed, a tailored treatment plan is created, which may include medications, hearing aids, surgery, or rehabilitation therapy depending on the cause.
Why Early Recognition Matters
Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, communication breakdowns, depression, and even cognitive decline. For children, undiagnosed hearing issues can delay speech and learning development. Early recognition and professional help ensure better hearing outcomes and overall quality of life.
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