Hearing loss can affect anyone, from babies to adults and seniors, and it comes in many forms and degrees. Understanding the type of hearing loss you have, the risks that can lead to it, and the consequences of leaving it untreated is the first step toward better hearing and a healthier life.

Types of hearing loss

Hearing loss can be experienced in varying degrees, such as mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe or profound. It can also vary depending on pitches or frequencies. A series of hearing tests can determine the amount of loss you experience compared to an average of many other adult listeners with typical hearing.

The volume of sounds you hear is measured in decibels (dB), with 15 to 20 dB being the softest whisper and 120 dB being a jet engine. The softest sounds one can hear are called thresholds. Normal hearing thresholds for adults are considered 0 to 25 dB across the range of frequencies tested. Speech testing is also conducted as part of this series of evaluations and helps assess the levels of particular words you can hear clearly. These tests can help determine the type of hearing loss you’re experiencing, which can be categorized as conductive, sensorineural or mixed.

Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with the way sound is conducted to the inner ear and a structure called the cochlea. The problem may lie in the ear canal, eardrum (tympanic membrane) or the middle ear (ossicles and Eustachian tube). The inner ear and auditory nerve remain unaffected. Individuals may complain of sounds being muffled or far too quiet. Common causes include outer or middle ear infections, complete earwax blockage, deterioration of the middle ear bones, otosclerosis, a perforated eardrum, or an absence of the outer or middle ear structures. This type of loss may be temporary or permanent. Medical management can correct some cases, while hearing instruments may be recommended in long-standing or permanent cases.
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with the sensory receptors of the hearing system, specifically in the cochlea of the inner ear or auditory nerve. Most sensorineural hearing loss results from an abnormality or damage to the hair cells in the cochlea, which prevents sound from being transmitted to the brain normally. Individuals may hear muffled speech, suffer from tinnitus, have difficulty hearing in background noise, or experience clarity of speech problems. Causes include congenital conditions, damage to hair cells from genetics, infection, drugs, trauma or noise exposure, and presbycusis, which is age-related hearing loss. These losses are generally permanent and may remain stable or worsen over time. Hearing aids are the most common and successful treatment.
Mixed hearing loss occurs when a person has a sensorineural hearing loss in combination with a conductive hearing loss, meaning there is a problem in the inner ear as well as in the outer or middle ear. The conductive portion may be temporary or permanent. Mixed hearing loss can sometimes be treated with medical management, and hearing aids are a common treatment recommendation.

Musicians and noise-induced hearing loss

Because of the nature of their work, musicians of all genres are at risk for noise-induced hearing loss. Being able to hear properly is vital to a musician’s livelihood, from hearing the right notes and words to playing in the correct pitch and key. Without proper protection, the loud sounds experienced on stage and while playing an instrument can cause permanent damage. Musicians are also at risk for developing tinnitus, a ringing-in-the-ears sensation that can be present with or without hearing loss. While not life-threatening, tinnitus can seriously deteriorate a person’s quality of life.

Both custom and non-custom products are available to help prevent hearing loss and, in many cases, tinnitus:

Musician earplugs: Made for musicians playing a variety of instruments, these are available in several materials, from foam to a softer plastic, and allow the wearer to still hear the music being performed. They are also great for concert-goers who want to protect their hearing while enjoying a show.
Electronic earplugs: These can be programmed to adjust to different pitches and sounds depending on the loudness and environment. They allow musicians to hear the sounds that matter while filtering out damaging noise levels.
In-ear monitors: Used by musicians and audio-engineering professionals, these high-tech devices deliver sound to the ear while creating a barrier against background and damaging noise. They are available in custom or universal options.

Musician earplugs aren’t just for people in a band. They can benefit students in a school band or orchestra, music teachers and conductors, concert and festival attendees, nightclub workers and patrons, and entertainment industry staff.

The impacts of untreated hearing loss

Many people know they have hearing loss but find it difficult to get help. On average, those diagnosed wait seven years before seeking treatment. The reasons vary. Some are frustrated and see hearing loss as a sign of aging, while others believe their condition isn’t severe or may not realize they have a problem at all. Unfortunately, leaving hearing loss untreated can lead to serious consequences that affect your social, psychological, cognitive and physical health.

Studies have linked untreated hearing loss to a number of emotional health conditions, including irritability, negativism and anger; fatigue, tension, stress and depression; avoidance or withdrawal from social situations; social rejection and loneliness; and reduced alertness with increased risk to personal safety. When you have hearing loss, following conversations in a group can be difficult, which makes you more likely to withdraw from visits with friends and family. Over time, this can lead to depression and anxiety.

Untreated hearing loss can also affect your cognitive health. When your ability to hear declines, your brain receives less stimulation because it isn’t working to identify different sounds and nuances. Think of your brain like your body. If you exercise all your muscle groups, you stay healthy overall, but if you neglect certain areas, they grow weaker. In the same way, the portion of your brain responsible for processing sound becomes weaker over time, which can make memory loss and even dementia more likely.

Benefits of treatment and how to get help

Treating your hearing loss is the first step toward a healthier, happier life. Wearing a hearing aid can enrich your life and reopen doors that may have closed over the years. It can mean hearing your grandchild’s first words, hearing nature again, feeling safer in cities, attending dinners in noisy environments, and enjoying parties while understanding conversation.

The best way to get help is to schedule an appointment with a hearing hearing care professional. He or she can determine the type and degree of hearing loss you have and suggest a style of hearing aid, ear protection or other treatment that fits your needs. Whether you are a musician looking to protect your hearing or someone noticing changes in how you hear the world, a hearing professional can help you find the right solution.

If you think you or a loved one has hearing loss, don’t delay another day. Take the first step toward a world of better hearing.