Losing the ability to recognize other people’s voices is the first indication of hearing loss. If you’re in an environment where background noise is loud and you can only hear some of the conversation, this can be particularly confusing. If this occurs often, it may indicate that your ears gradually lose their sensitivity to sound due to loud noise exposure.
There are several types of hearing loss, which can be categorized based on where the problem occurs in the auditory system. The main types include:
Hearing loss can affect one or both ears, depending on the type and cause.
1. Sensorineural Hearing Loss
This is the most common type, and it occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. It is often caused by aging, noise exposure, genetics, or certain medical conditions. Noise-induced hearing loss, a specific sensorineural hearing loss, results from prolonged exposure to loud noises such as heavy machinery, loud music, or explosions. Ear infections can exacerbate this condition if not treated properly. Damage to hair cells in the inner ear is a common culprit, leading to trouble hearing.
2. Conductive Hearing Loss
Hearing loss occurs when sound waves cannot reach the inner ear. It is usually caused by problems in the outer or middle ear, such as earwax buildup, middle ear infections, fluid in the middle ear, or abnormalities in the ear structures. Muffled hearing is a common symptom of conductive hearing loss. An ear infection can cause the ear drum to become inflamed or ruptured, further obstructing sound transmission.
3. Mixed Hearing Loss
This is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. Individuals with mixed hearing loss have problems in both the inner and outer/middle ear. Nerve related hearing loss often contributes to the sensorineural component, affecting the hearing nerve. Profound hearing loss can sometimes be part of the sensorineural component, severely impacting the individual’s ability to hear.
4. Central Hearing Loss
This hearing loss originates from the brain’s central auditory pathways and processing centers. It can result from damage to the brainstem, auditory cortex, or other parts of the central nervous system. Some individuals may experience temporary hearing loss due to transient issues in these pathways, although this is less common. In some cases, congenital hearing loss may also be present if there are developmental issues affecting the central auditory pathways from birth.
It’s important to note that hearing loss’s severity and specific characteristics can vary from person to person. If you suspect a hearing problem, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or audiologist for proper evaluation and treatment options.
Temporary Hearing Loss
The Most audiologists concur that everyone experiences transient hearing loss at some point in their lives. Ear infections are a common cause of temporary hearing loss. The onset of temporary loss of hearing usually occurs abruptly or over a few short days.
Most likely, this issue will only affect one ear. Common signs and symptoms include tinnitus, difficulty hearing high-pitched noises, and muffled sounds.
Here are several of the most common causes of temporary hearing loss:
- Sudden change in altitude
- Exposure to loud noise
- Ear infections
- Excessive earwax build-up in the outer ear
- Fluid trapped in the middle ear
- Foreign objects stuck in the ear canal
- Repeated exposure to loud noises, which can cause temporary hearing loss that may eventually become permanent with ongoing exposure
Autoimmune diseases can also contribute to temporary hearing loss, as they may cause inflammation that affects the ears. In some cases, temporary hearing loss may be a precursor to the need for more permanent solutions like cochlear implants if the hearing loss becomes chronic or severe.
Permanent Hearing Loss
Permanent hearing loss can happen suddenly or gradually, although it usually results from prolonged loud noise exposure or age-related changes. Additionally, it frequently coexists with several illnesses, including diabetes, Meniere’s disease, and Lyme disease. In rare circumstances, injuries to the head or ears, such as those sustained in auto accidents or blast injuries, can also result in hearing loss. Sudden hearing loss can also indicate a more serious condition and requires immediate attention.
An audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physician can do a professional assessment to ascertain if a patient has a permanent or temporary hearing loss. A range of tests will be performed to evaluate your hearing, such as a speech audiometry exam to gauge your ability to understand spoken language and a pure-tone audiometry test to gauge your capacity to hear various sound frequencies. Treatment options might include hearing aids if the hearing loss is permanent.
Here are several of the most common causes of permanent hearing loss:
- Prolonged exposure to excessive noise
- Age-related hearing loss
- Health conditions
Types of Hearing Tests
Hearing tests include:
- Automated otoacoustic emissions (AOAE) tests
- Automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) tests
- Pure tone audiometry tests
- Bone conduction tests
These examinations will assist in identifying the source of hearing loss, which will dictate the appropriate course of action. It is essential to have your hearing tested regularly by a medical professional to detect any issues early. A comprehensive hearing test can help determine whether the hearing loss is temporary or permanent and guide the necessary treatment options.
When To See A Doctor?
Remember that hearing loss can happen gradually, so getting frequent hearing exams is essential to spot any changes in your hearing. Hearing problems can be temporary or permanent, so it’s important to monitor your hearing health closely.
It’s critical to consult a physician as soon as possible if you think you could have irreversible hearing loss. They’ll be qualified to make diagnoses and therapy recommendations, ensuring that any disruptions in sound signals are properly addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does temporary hearing loss feel like?
Temporary hearing loss is commonly characterized by sound muffling, difficulties hearing high-pitched noises, and, in some cases, a sense of fullness in the ears. It can also occur due to conditions like swimmer’s ear, where water trapped in the ear canal leads to inflammation and hearing difficulties.
Can hearing loss subside on its own?
Yes, temporary hearing loss may typically correct itself, especially if it is caused by earwax buildup, mild infections, or exposure to loud sounds. Noise damage from brief exposure to loud noises can result in temporary hearing loss, but the hearing typically returns after a period of rest.
Additionally, issues with the three tiny bones in the middle ear can sometimes lead to temporary hearing loss, which may resolve once the underlying problem is treated.
Can you become momentarily deaf?
Yes, temporary deafness can develop for various causes, including exposure to loud noises, infections, or abrupt changes in pressure. Ear infections typically clear up with proper treatment, leading to the resolution of temporary hearing loss.
However, in some cases, head trauma can also cause temporary deafness, necessitating prompt medical attention to ensure proper healing and to prevent long-term damage. This ailment is usually resolved with appropriate therapy or on its own.
Dr. Kimberly Langdon has been an MD for 31 years, board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist with 19-years of clinical experience. She graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, earning Honors in many rotations. She then completed her OB/GYN residency program at The Ohio State University Medical Center, earning first-place accolades for her Senior Research Project and Score of 98th percentile on a National Proficiency Test.
During her clinical career, she delivered over 2000 babies and specialized in minimally invasive procedures, menopause, endometriosis, menstrual disorders, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. After retiring from clinical practice, she founded a medical device company to commercialize her two patented and four patent-pending medical devices for both life-threatening and non-life-threatening infections.
