7 Common Symptoms of Hearing Loss + Tests, Treatment and Options
Key Takeaways:
Common hearing loss symptoms include: turning up the volume, struggling in background noise, asking for repetition, or even withdrawing from social settings due to frustration.
There are several types of hearing loss configurations (see below), with high frequency hearing loss being among the most common.
A comprehensive hearing test can determine the type and severity of the hearing loss.
Leveraging my experience as an audiologist in diverse settings - from private practices to bustling hospital environments - I've been privileged to develop a broad understanding of the challenges posed by hearing loss.
Not only have I equipped individuals with devices to enhance their ability to communicate, but I've also guided them in adapting to new ways of perceiving their surroundings, navigating the world with increased confidence and independence. This journey is not always linear, but with a blend of professional expertise and real-world insights we can work together to help you live more fully.
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing. That number is only expected to grow as the Boomer generation ages.
Hearing loss is a common problem, but that doesn't mean you have to live with it. It can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, affecting everything from work performance to social interactions. If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to consider a hearing evaluation.
Symptoms of hearing loss
If you or a loved one seems to be struggling to understand everyday communication the way they used to, it is a sign hearing loss may be at play. Here are a few other symptoms of hearing loss in adults:
Struggling to understand people over the phone
Having to ask people to repeat themselves often
Needing to turn the TV volume up louder
Having a hard time with conversations in places with a lot of background noise
Feeling like sounds are muffled, or that people are mumbling
Avoiding social situations due to frustration or embarrassment
Using coping strategies, such as: dominating the conversation, withdrawing from the conversation, or nodding without responding.
Clearly, the symptoms of hearing loss are significant and because of that, can impact social, mental, and physical health.
How to spot hearing loss in a child
The symptoms of hearing loss in babies and children, however, are slightly different, and can be difficult to catch.
For instance, a baby with hearing loss may not startle at loud noises. They may look at a caregiver when they move, but not when they make noise. Babies with hearing loss may seem to hear some sounds, but not others.
Another telling sign is that they haven’t said “mama” or “dada” by 12 months old. As a child ages, the symptoms of hearing loss can also include:
Speech and language delays
Trouble hearing soft sounds, like whispers
Trouble with speech sounds
Lack of response to sounds, relying on visual cues
Because hearing loss so significantly impacts a child’s ability to learn how to talk and communicate, it is vital that hearing loss is identified early on in a child’s life.
With proper intervention, whether that’s sign language or hearing assistance, a child with hearing loss will be able to flourish just as a child without hearing loss.
Testing for hearing loss
A comprehensive hearing evaluation is the next important step if you or a loved one is struggling with hearing loss. This online test is a quick starting point. However, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with an audiologist for a complete hearing evaluation.
Traditional Hearing Test
This hearing test will take about 30 minutes and involve wearing headphones and listening for very soft beeping sounds and repeating words.
A special headband will also be placed behind the ear to listen for beeps. The results of these tests will show how much hearing loss you have, whether speech clarity is affected, and which part of the ear has hearing loss.
Hearing Test for Children
There are different types of hearing tests for children, depending on their age. Some of these tests, such as otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), only require the child to sit still for a few minutes wearing a headphone piece in their ear.
Other types of hearing tests will involve the child playing games, such as dropping blocks into a bucket when they hear beeping sounds or turning their head to see a cartoon character when they hear a sound.
Hearing loss treatment options
Depending on your degree of hearing loss and type of hearing loss, there are different options that can best address your hearing loss. Treatment options can include:
OTC hearing aids - mild to moderate hearing loss
Prescription hearing aids - mild to profound hearing loss
CROS hearing aids - for single-sided deafness (SSD) or asymmetric hearing loss
Cochlear implants - when hearing aids no longer provide enough benefit
Bone-anchored hearing aids - for conductive or SSD
Following a comprehensive hearing test, your audiologist or hearing healthcare provider can give you more information about which option will work best for you.
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the hearing loss symptoms listed above, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with an audiologist or other professional trained to assess hearing. The ability to hear is closely associated with quality of life, and you deserve the highest quality available.
