Hearing loss is defined as a decrease in hearing sensitivity, difficulty in perceiving surrounding sounds, and hearing sounds such as ringing or buzzing in the ear.
A decrease in hearing sensitivity does not necessarily mean a worsening of hearing thresholds.
Even if hearing thresholds are normal, problems with comprehension can mean that there is a decrease in hearing sensitivity.
If there is a hearing loss, there are three issues that are usually mentioned. These are the type of hearing loss, the degree of hearing loss and the configuration of the hearing loss (i.e. which frequencies it affects).
In hearing loss involving the peripheral auditory system, there are three types of hearing loss. These are conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss and mixed hearing loss. In cases involving the central auditory system, problems with the interpretation of the heard sounds rather than hearing the sound are predominant and this is called central auditory processing disorder.
Hearing Loss Symptoms
- Difficulty perceiving surrounding sounds
- Difficulty hearing the other person and wanting them to speak louder
- Desire to amplify the sounds of auditory devices
- Reduced desire to be in crowded and noisy environments
- Avoiding talking in public
- Sounds such as ringing and buzzing in the ear
If hearing loss is present at birth and is not intervened, it negatively affects speech and language development, and depending on the degree of hearing loss, speech and language development may not occur at all.
In addition to speech and language problems, learning problems arise and academic success decreases.
Communication problems can lead to social isolation and poor personality development.
In adults, hearing loss and comprehension difficulties can lead to irritability, social isolation, communication and expression problems, and withdrawal into one's own shell.
Once the cause of hearing loss has been identified, medication and/or surgery may be necessary. It is enough to contact your ENT Specialist for the right information and approach.
Causes of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be divided into congenital (present at birth) and acquired (acquired). Congenital hearing loss can also be divided into non-genetic and genetic hearing loss.
Non-genetic hearing loss includes premature birth, low birth weight, infections in the womb, etc., while genetic hearing loss includes diseases such as Down syndrome and Usher syndrome.
Acquired hearing loss can be caused by ear infections, hearing loss due to noise exposure and hearing loss due to aging. It should not be forgotten that there are many diseases that cause hearing loss.
People who complain of hearing loss should first consult your Otolaryngologist and then your Audiologist for a hearing evaluation.
For some individuals, medication and/or surgery may be the appropriate method for the treatment of hearing loss, while for others, rehabilitative practices are required. Which approach is appropriate for you will be decided after evaluations.
The prevalence of severe/very severe hearing loss is 1-2/1000 and increases to 6/1000 if lower degree hearing loss is added.
One out of every two people over 65 years of age has hearing loss. Considering the rates, hearing loss is a common condition both in infants and children and in the adult population.
Rehabilitative Approaches Used for Hearing Loss:
- Hearing aid fitting: In the treatment of hearing loss, the hearing aid must be selected correctly and suitable for the patient, adjusted correctly, applied correctly and used correctly. It is sufficient to contact your Audiologist for the right information and approach.
- Cochlear implant (bionic ear) application: It is a preferred method in the treatment of hearing loss in children and adults in cases where hearing aids cannot be used. It is sufficient to consult your ENT Specialist and Audiologist for the right information and approach.
- Bone and middle ear implants: It is sufficient to consult your ENT Specialist and Audiologist for these applications, which are decided according to the characteristics of hearing loss.
- Auditory rehabilitation: Especially in infants and children, only device application is not enough, auditory training applications are required for the efficient use of auditory capacity. It is sufficient to consult your Audiologist for the right information and approach.
