Permanent hearing loss is any type of hearing impairment that cannot be corrected with a hearing aid or other medical intervention. This type of hearing loss is typically caused by permanent damage to the structures of the inner ear, which can be caused by long-term exposure to extreme noise, genetic factors, illness, and aging, or head trauma.
People with permanent hearing loss may experience some or all of the following symptoms: muffled hearing, speech or sound distortion, an inability to hear certain frequencies or tones, difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments, trouble distinguishing between similar sounding words, trouble understanding speech over the telephone, or a feeling of fullness in the ears.
Depending on the severity of the hearing loss, people may need to rely on lip-reading or sign language to communicate in some cases. There are a variety of treatments available for permanent hearing loss, including assistive listening devices, cochlear implants, hearing aids, and aural rehabilitation therapy.
What is the most severe hearing loss?
The most severe hearing loss is considered to be a profound hearing loss. People with a profound hearing loss have very little understanding of sound, even with the use of powerful hearing devices. People with a profound hearing loss may not be able to hear anything at all without the use of a hearing device, and even then they may only be able to hear some sounds, like very loud environmental noises.
People with profound hearing loss typically cannot understand human speech or follow conversations without the use of sign language or visual aids. People with a profound hearing loss usually require strong amplification, like cochlear implants, to help them perceive sounds and understand speech.
Can all hearing loss be treated?
No, not all hearing loss can be treated. Hearing loss is classified into two types: conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that can be caused by a problem in the outer or middle ear, such as a buildup of ear wax or fluid in the middle ear, and can often be treated or even reversed.
Sensorineural hearing loss, on the other hand, is caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve and is permanent. Sensorineural hearing loss cannot be reversed but, in some cases, devices such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and hearing devices may help improve hearing capability.
How do you know if hearing loss is permanent or temporary?
The only way to know if a person’s hearing loss is permanent or temporary is to see a hearing health professional. A hearing health professional will be able to evaluate the individual’s hearing, look for any underlying causes, and then determine the best course of action.
Additionally, depending on the type of hearing loss and its underlying cause, the hearing health professional may recommend a hearing aid, medications, a surgery, or other treatment options.
In some cases, the hearing loss may go away on its own, particularly if it is caused by an infection that can be treated with antibiotics or if there is impacted wax in the ear. However, if the hearing loss is due to damage or deterioration in the ear, it is likely to be permanent.
In general, the earlier you seek medical attention, the greater the likelihood that treatment will be successful. For this reason, it is important to seek professional evaluation as soon as possible following any noticeable hearing loss.
Which type of hearing loss is most severe and causes permanent hearing loss?
The most severe type of hearing loss is Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL), which is a permanent loss of hearing that is usually caused by damage to the inner ear or to the auditory nerve. It is the most common type of hearing loss, accounting for more than 90 percent of reported cases.
It is usually caused by damage to the hair cells in the inner ear, due to aging, trauma, or noise exposure. Symptoms vary from individual to individual, and can range from mild to profound, but the majority of cases will result in a permanent hearing impairment.
How can you tell if you have permanent hearing loss?
The first and most telling sign is a persistent and ongoing difficulty understanding conversations or hearing sounds. If you struggle to understand what someone is saying, even when they are speaking clearly and loudly, this is usually a sign of hearing loss.
Other signs can include difficulty hearing people when there is background noise, or muffled hearing that makes it hard to distinguish certain sounds. If you have to crank up the volume on your TV or radio when listening to music or watching movies, this could also be a sign of permanent hearing loss.
Permanent hearing loss is often progressive, so it is important to stay vigilant and visit an audiologist if any of the above symptoms persist. An audiologist can help you determine the extent of any hearing loss you may have and provide advice on how to manage it.
Did I permanently damage my hearing?
Without a medical diagnosis, it is impossible to say for certain if you have permanently damaged your hearing. It is possible however that your hearing may have been affected in some way. Such as exposure to loud noise, certain medical conditions, aging, and genetics.
If you have been exposed to loud noise for a prolonged period of time, or have been exposed to a single loud noise, such as a gunshot or explosion, it is possible that your hearing may be permanently affected.
In addition, certain medical conditions and medications can have an effect on your hearing.
If you are concerned about your hearing, it is important to seek medical advice. A hearing test will be able to identify any hearing issues you may have as a result of exposure to loud noises or any medical conditions.
Your doctor or audiologist may also be able to recommend therapies or devices to help improve your hearing.
Can I ever get my hearing back?
In some cases, it may be possible to get your hearing back depending on the underlying cause of your hearing loss. In most cases, hearing loss is permanent, however, depending on what caused it, there are a variety of treatments that can be used to improve the situation.
If your hearing loss was caused by a tumor or a buildup of earwax, or any other physical blockage, then it may be possible to treat the underlying condition and improve your hearing. Additionally, if your hearing loss is caused by a virus, then it may be possible to use antibiotics to treat the virus and help restore your hearing.
Lastly, if your hearing loss is caused by noise-induced damage, hearing aids can help to improve your hearing. In any case, it is important to speak to a doctor or an audiologist in order to determine the underlying cause of your hearing loss so that the best treatment can be recommended.
Does hearing loss develop slowly?
Yes, hearing loss can develop slowly over time. It is often so gradual that people may not initially notice the signs, or they may be attributed to age. As hearing loss progresses, the signs may become more noticeable, such as difficulty hearing in noisy environments or an inability to clearly hear conversations from a distance.
This can be especially true with age-related hearing loss. Additionally, hearing loss can also be sudden, particularly if it is caused by an infection or trauma. To accurately assess for hearing loss, it is important to consult an audiologist to have your hearing tested and monitored.
What level of hearing loss requires a hearing aid?
Hearing loss is typically classified into mild, moderate, severe, and profound levels. Generally, if your hearing loss is mild or moderate, you may be able to understand and communicate with minimal assistance, such as by adjusting the volume, speaking more clearly, or lip reading.
However, when a person’s hearing loss reaches the severe and profound levels, they will likely need to use a hearing aid to communicate effectively. To be considered for a hearing aid, an adult usually needs to have a hearing loss in their “better” ear of 40 decibels or more.
For children, the criteria is different and is slightly lower, usually requiring a 25-35 decibel hearing loss in the worse ear.
More severe hearing losses will require more advanced types of hearing aids, such as digital hearing aids, that are more expensive and offer more amplification and additional features. Once a hearing aid is prescribed, it is important to go through the fitting process and to follow up with audiologist visits to make sure the hearing aid is providing the best possible hearing outcomes and sound quality.