The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 430 million people worldwide and 63 million people in India have hearing issues. Among them, the highest percentage is found in children aged 0-14. Hearing loss can impact children’s physical activity and the economic growth of the country. There are various hearing loss treatment options available to regain hearing capacity. It is recommended to consult an ENT specialist to receive treatment and improve one’s ability to hear.
Introduction
Hearing impairment is defined as the inability to hear normal speech or sounds at less than 20 decibels in one or both ears. This can make it difficult to understand conversations or require louder sounds to be heard. Causes of hearing loss can include damage or non-functioning organs in the ear. Hearing loss can be classified as mild, moderate, severe, profound, permanent, or temporary. It is important to consult an ENT specialist for hearing loss treatment.
Prevelance and impact of hearing loss
Hearing loss is a prevalent and often invisible problem. By 2050, it is estimated that at least 2.5 billion people will have some degree of hearing loss and over 700 million people will suffer from it. Children have a high prevalence of hearing loss, and it increases with age for adults over 60. Unaddressed hearing loss in children can impede their ability to listen, learn, communicate, and negatively impact their education and employment opportunities. Adults with untreated hearing loss may experience a decreased quality of life and isolation from loved ones. Early identification of hearing loss can mitigate its impact. Hearing loss treatment options include specialized teaching methods, sign languages, hearing aids, cochlear implants, and treatment for the ear, which can benefit both children and adults.
TYPES OF HEARING LOSS
Hearing loss can be classified as temporary or permanent, and treatment for hearing loss vary depending on the type of hearing loss. There are four levels of hearing loss: mild, moderate, severe, and profound.
PERMANENT VS TEMPORARY HEARING LOSS
Permanent hearing loss:
This type of hearing loss is characterized by a permanent loss of hearing capacity and can be caused by factors such as congenital disabilities, head injuries, aging, exposure to loud sounds, ototoxicity, genetic conditions, and untreated ear infections.
Temporary hearing loss:
This type of hearing loss is characterized by a permanent loss of hearing capacity and can be caused by factors such as congenital disabilities, head injuries, aging, exposure to loud sounds, ototoxicity, genetic conditions, and untreated ear infections.
In mild hearing loss, a person may have difficulty hearing low-pitched sounds such as a ticking clock or whispering. The person may struggle to hear sounds with decibel levels below 25dB and may need to pay extra attention to hear them.
Moderate hearing loss is characterized by difficulty hearing normal speech or conversation at normal levels. The person may be able to hear sounds but may not be able to fully understand them. Sounds with decibel levels below 30 or 40 may be difficult to hear.
Severe hearing loss is characterized by difficulty understanding sounds and noises at normal levels. A person with severe hearing loss may only be able to hear very loud sounds. The hearing loss is usually more than 71dB.
Profound hearing loss is characterized by the inability to hear everyday sounds. This type of hearing loss is commonly seen in older adults and children with congenital disabilities.
Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear or hearing nerve. It is a permanent condition that can be treated if caught in the early stages.
Treatment
Hearing loss treatment may vary depending on the type and severity of the loss. Some options include:
Hearing Aids:
These are small electronic devices worn behind the ear that amplify sounds and send them to the inner ear. They are typically recommended for mild to moderate hearing loss or for those with damage in the inner ear or ear infections. Hearing aids is one of the hearing loss treatment options for solving temporary hearing loss problem in adults.
Cochlear Implants:
These electronic devices bypass damaged nerves in the ear and stimulate the hearing nerve. They are usually recommended for individuals whose hearing does not improve with hearing aids or for those with hearing loss in both ears and other medical issues that affect hearing aid surgery. Cochlear implant hearing loss treatment benefits for moderate to profound hearing loss conditions.
Assistive Listening Devices (ALD):
These devices, also known as auxiliary aids, amplify sound and assist in daily conversations, speech, television, and meetings. They provide communication accessibility and help in effective communication. Different types of ALDs include hardwired, frequency-modulated (FM), and infrared devices.
Tips for managing and preventing hearing loss include:
- Avoiding loud noise and reducing noise exposure
- Limiting the use of earphones/earbuds to 60 minutes/ day
- Having ear protection while swimming
- Being cautious while cleaning ears with water
- Using earplugs during air travel
- Avoiding blowing your nose and inserting objects into the ear canal
- Quitting smoking and alcohol
- Maintaining control of diabetes
- Being aware of medication that may impact hearing.
It is important to manage and prevent hearing loss, as it can greatly impact one’s personal and professional life. Without proper hearing loss treatment, individuals may feel isolated or depressed. However, with the right hearing loss treatment, individuals can reconnect with the world and lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Consult Hyderabad’s best ENT specialist at Dr Rao’s ENT Super Specialty International Hospital for all your hearing problems.
