Living with Hearing Loss can be challenging, whether it’s a gradual loss that worsens, or a sudden onset that makes communicating with others difficult. So what are the common causes of hearing loss?
But did you know that hearing loss is not always just a case of “deafness”?
What are the common causes of hearing loss?
Two of the most common hearing diseases that affects people are Presbycusis and Hyperacusis. Presbycusis is age-related hearing loss, while Hyperacusis is when loud sounds become unbearable. We will discuss the symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatments of these two conditions.
Presbycusis and its Symptoms
Presbycusis is gradual hearing loss that occurs as people age, usually affecting people aged 50 years and above. This appears due to the natural aging process that damages the cochlea and the nerves in the inner ear. One of the early signs of presbycusis is difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds especially in noisy environments. Other symptoms include difficulty hearing conversations, constantly asking people to repeat themselves, having trouble with phone conversations, and feeling that others are not speaking clearly enough. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Presbycusis, but hearing aids help in improving hearing clarity and quality of life.
Causes and Symptoms of Hyperacusis
Hyperacusis is the opposite of hearing loss. It is where the sound becomes unnaturally and uncomfortably loud. This occurs when the auditory system amplifies sounds too much, leading to feelings of pain or discomfort when exposed to normal sound levels. Some of the most common causes of hyperacusis are exposure to loud noise, ear infections, head injury, or even stress. Hyperacusis is also prevalent among those with migraines, tinnitus, and other hearing disorders, and occasionally medication can induce it. The most common symptom of Hyperacusis is an extreme sensitivity to certain sounds.
The best way to prevent these diseases is to stop them from occurring in the first place. Protect yourself from loud noises, maintaining a healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals, and avoiding the prolonged use of earbuds when listening to music can help reduce the risk of developing hearing-related disorders.
For people with hyperacusis, prevention is the key to avoiding sets of triggers and loud noises that often cause the distance symptoms.
Management of Presbycusis and Hyperacusis
Hearing-related conditions, like presbycusis and hyperacusis, are irreversible. However, hearing aids can help make sound more tolerable, and other assistive devices can lower background noise in social situations to manage the risk. Treating hyperacusis can be complex as there is a lot of variation in the severity of symptoms and how people respond to different treatments.
So what are the common causes of hearing loss? – Conclusion
Hearing loss is uncomfortable and not easy to manage, but diseases like presbycusis and hyperacusis add another layer of complexity. Prevention is always the best course of action, but when faced with hearing-related issues or conditions, make sure to check with us to review your current conditions and options available to assist you.
Book an appointment with us and we can assist you on what are the best next steps for your specific condition.