I can’t hear properly, should I be worried?
Hearing loss affects all age groups but is more common in the elderly. About 30% of people above the age of 65 years suffers from hearing loss.
How do we hear?
To understand hearing problems, it is essential to know how our ear works. The human ear can be divided into three parts.
- Outer Ear
- Middle Ear
- Inner Ear
The Outer Ear
Includes the ear canal and eardrum. Sound passes through the ear canal and vibrates the ear drum.
The Middle Ear
Includes three tiny bones that are connected to one another. These tiny bones also vibrate to transfer sound to the inner ear.
The Inner Ear
This is the snail shaped part of the ear. It receives sound from the middle ear, converts the sound into electrical signal and transmits these to the brain via the hearing nerve. A part of this is also responsible for balance.
What causes hearing loss?
Hearing loss in adults may result from several causes and may be temporary or permanent.
Hearing loss may result from:
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Injury and infection to the outer or middle ear
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Middle ear bone problems
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Exposure to prolonged loud noise
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Prolonged used of ototoxic medications (these are chemicals detrimental to hearing)
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Viral infections of the inner ear
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Fluid imbalance of the inner ear
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Tumours of the hearing nerve
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Natural ageing process
How is hearing loss classified?
Based on the severity of the problem, it can be broadly classified into 4 basic groups.
Mild – May have difficulty hearing at a distance and softer speech.
Moderate – Frequently needs repetition and louder volume.
Severe – Always requires louder volume to hear.
Profound – Requires loud speech even at close distance.
Impact of hearing loss
Hearing loss may:
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Significantly limit one’s social life
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Affect relationships with family members
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Interfere with occupational performance
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Reduce quality of life
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Lead to reduced self-esteem
Individuals with mild hearing loss may not be aware of their hearing difficulties. Family members and friends often alert them. If you are one of them, the following would be useful.
Self–screening for hearing loss
You may be suffering from hearing loss, if you:
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Think others often mumble
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Often misinterpret what others say
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Need to turn up the volume of the television/radio
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Often require others to repeat what they have just said
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Have difficulty communicating at a distance or in a group
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Have difficulty hearing the telephone ring and/or conversation
Benefits of treatment
If you have suspect that you are suffering from hearing difficulties, you may wish to make an appointment with our ENT specialists.
Some types of hearing loss are medically or surgically treatable, while others are not. Timely treatment can help restore quality of life to a great extent.