What is deafness?

The term “deafness” often brings to mind a person who cannot hear anything at all. However, this is not always the case. Hypoacusis and hearing loss are also synonyms for deafness.

The extent of the condition can vary widely, affecting a person’s ability to hear certain sounds partially or fully. Not all sounds (frequencies) are affected equally. For example, a person might be able to hear low tones (like engine sounds) very well, while higher tones (like birds chirping) are inaudible.

Symptoms

Here are some of the symptoms of deafness:

• Turning up the volume on the TV
• Trouble understanding speech in noise
• Asking people to repeat themselves
• Trouble hearing certain sounds (e.g. a phone ringing, birds chirping)
• Replying vaguely or incorrectly during a conversation

Causes

Here are some of the causes of deafness:

• Earwax buildup
• Otitis
• Age (this is known as presbycusis)
• Noise exposure (sometimes known as occupational deafness)
• Genetics (associated with a hereditary condition or illness)
• Illness (bacterial meningitis, childhood infections, Ménière’s disease, etc.)
• Issues present at birth (congenital malformations, low birth weight, extreme prematurity, lack of oxygen at birth, etc.)

Recommendations

If you believe you have hearing loss, the first step is to make an appointment with an audiologist practicing at a Lobe clinic for a full hearing assessment. If hearing loss is detected, they may refer you to an audioprosthetist, who will help you choose the best hearing aids for your situation and lifestyle.

However, if you experience sudden hearing loss, consult an audiologist and an ENT specialist as soon as possible. There is a better chance of recovering hearing if it is treated within 72 hours.