Hearing loss: when the world gets quieter

The ear is one of nature’s masterpieces, allowing us to experience the variety of sounds around us. But what happens when this finely tuned instrument begins to malfunction? When the birdsong in spring or the cherished voices of your partner or children suddenly sound muffled or distorted? Hearing loss often develops gradually over many years. That’s why many people don’t even notice at first that the clarity and richness of sound they once enjoyed is disappearing.

Hearing loss is not just a matter of losing your ability to hear sounds. It also has an impact on all aspects of human interaction. Sixteen percent of adults in Europe are affected by hearing loss, according to the World Health Organisation. Each case of hearing loss follows its own course. There are different types, degrees and stages of hearing loss, ranging from mild impairment to complete deafness. Some are temporary, others permanent. In each case, however, the loss has far-reaching consequences – not only acoustically, but also psychologically and socially.

What are the different types of hearing loss?

Symptoms: What are the signs of hearing loss?

Hearing loss is often not apparent from one day to the next. Instead, it reveals itself through a gradual diminution in the ability to hear. Certain sound volumes or frequencies are no longer perceived as clearly, and some may not be perceived at all. The symptoms can vary depending on the type of hearing loss. The consequences of hearing loss range from ringing in the ears, such as tinnitus, to dizzy spells or balance problems.

A noticeable feature is that those affected often get tired quickly. No wonder: constantly striving to interpret sounds and conversations properly can be incredibly draining. The range of symptoms extends from minor impairments to those so serious they can be classified as a severe disability.

Some of the most common signs of incipient hearing loss are:

If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it’s worth considering a hearing test with a professional.

Causes: What can cause hearing loss?

Hearing loss, also called hypoacusis, is not always due to old age. In some cases, people are born with a hearing impairment. If both parents have a hearing impairment, the hearing loss can even be inherited.

For many people, however, hearing capacity begins to decline as they get older. The first signs can appear as early as the age of 30. By the age of 80, the majority of people have significant hearing problems. The cause often lies in the permanent overuse of the hearing cells in the inner ear. Fine hair cells gradually die and the remaining ones can no longer process high-pitched sounds correctly. This can make conversations difficult to understand, especially in a noisy environment.

Constant exposure to noise, whether from loud music, machine noise or even a sudden explosion, can also lead to permanent damage. It’s a gradual process – the hair cells in the inner ear, overloaded by the noise, recover worse and worse and may eventually die completely.

Some diseases also affect the ear directly. Infections such as middle ear infection or even mumps and measles can cause serious damage if they aren’t treated in time. Bacteria that penetrate the inner ear can also trigger inflammations that lead to anything from mild hearing loss to complete deafness.

Treatment: What can be done about hearing loss?

Treatment of hearing loss depends on the cause and severity. Some problems, for example the build-up of earwax, can be corrected relatively easily by a specialist. For conductive problems, surgery such as tympanoplasty can be helpful to correct damage in the middle ear. If the inner ear is affected, different approaches are available:

Relatives can help people cope with their hearing loss through clear communication and understanding. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to maintaining and improving quality of life.

Although there are no specific prevention measures, it definitely helps to avoid too much noise. Wearing earplugs at loud events and not listening to loud music through headphones are first important steps towards ensuring you enjoy a future of stable hearing. Occasional rest periods, a healthy diet and abstaining from nicotine are also beneficial.