Hearing loss is when a person doesn’t have normal hearing, but still can perceive some noise or vibration. The standard for hearing loss is a loss of more than twenty decibels. Although hearing loss usually does not affect life expectancy, it often forms a serious restriction on the quality of life.

Cause

Cause

Possible causes of hearing loss are:

In addition, hereditary factors also play a role in the development of hearing disorders.

Symptoms

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of hearing loss are:

Diagnosis

Diagnosis

Hearing loss is often determined by a hearing test in an audiological center. The examiner lets the patient hear sounds and tones via headphones and assesses what he or she can and cannot hear. The results are graphically shown in an audiogram. During this study, bone conduction is also investigated. It is important to identifiy hearing problems in children as early as possible, as this can have far-reaching consequences for their development. Speech disorders in a child may also indicate hearing problems.

Treatment

Treatment

Depending on the nature and severity of the hearing loss, several treatments are possible:

Prognosis

Prognosis

Recovery of hearing can be a matter of days or weeks. Some people suffer from permanent mild to severe hearing loss. When hearing loss is treated at an early stage, the prospects are good, but if the disease is already in an advanced stage, the prospects are less favorable. In old age, hearing loss is a natural phenomenon.

Considerations

Considerations

Facts

Facts