Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is permanent. However, there are exceedingly rare circumstances where hearing loss is temporary due to trauma, infection, or a medical condition. Temporary hearing loss may be reversed when the underlying condition is resolved.

While it’s true many people associate hearing loss and hearing aids with aging, hearing loss can occur at any age. As of 2024, approximately 15% of American adults ages 18 and over report some trouble hearing.1 1 in 8 people in the United States ages 12 and over has hearing loss in both ears.2 Recent studies suggest that an estimated 1 billion individuals ages 12-34 years are at an increased risk of noise-induced hearing loss voluntary unsafe recreational listening practices.3


References

  1. Blackwell, DL; Lucas, JW; Clarke, TC (2014): Summary health statistics for U.S. adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2012 . National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat Feb:(260):1-161.
  2. Lin, FR; Niparko, JK; Ferrucci, L (2011): Hearing loss prevalence in the United States. [Letter] Arch Intern Med. Nov 14;171(20):1851-2. doi: 10.1001/archinternmed.2011.506.
  3. Lauren K Dillard, Malachi Ochieng Arunda, Lucero Lopez-Perez, Ricardo X Martinez, Lucía Jiménez, Shelly Chadha – Prevalence and global estimates of unsafe listening practices in adolescents and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis: BMJ Global Health 2022;7:e010501.

“Cure” is the wrong word when it comes to hearing loss. As of right now, there is no known cure for hearing loss, except in exceedingly rare circumstances where hearing loss is temporary due to trauma, infection, or a medical condition. In these instances, sometimes surgery or medication may resolve the underlying condition and reverse any temporary hearing loss.

For instance, if hearing loss is caused by damage to the outer ear, reconstructive surgery may resolve hearing loss. Similarly, if hearing loss is caused by an infection and medication is prescribed for the infection, the medication may resolve the resultant hearing loss as well.

Yes. There are many different types of hearing loss, which are categorized by the cause of the hearing loss. However, there are 3 main types of hearing loss:

  • Conductive hearing loss (CHL): when sound is prevented from reaching the inner ear either due to blockage or damage to the outer or middle ear. Conductive hearing loss is sometimes reversible if the underlying cause is remedied.
  • Sensorineural hearing loss (SHL): occurs when the inner ear, cochlea, or auditory nerve is damaged and therefore unable to pick up or transmit sound to your brain. Sensorineural hearing loss is irreversible and progressive.
  • Mixed hearing loss: a combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

Many things can cause hearing loss. The most common are:

  • Birth defects and other genetic preconditions
  • Age
  • Exposure to loud noises
  • Obstructions in the ear
  • Head, neck, jaw, and brain injuries
  • Ototoxic medication
  • Comorbid diseases, infections, and medical conditions

In most cases, aside from sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), hearing loss occurs gradually over time. As a result, it can be difficult to notice that you have hearing loss until it’s too late. What’s more, friends and family often learn to accommodate hearing loss, without even realizing they are doing it. But if you find the people around you tend to repeat themselves, complain that the TV volume is too loud, or you simply struggle to follow group conversations, you may want to schedule a hearing appointment.

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