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Eye & EarICD-10: H91.90Affects approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million people)

Hearing Loss

Also known as: Deafness, Hearing Impairment, Hard of Hearing, Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a partial or total inability to hear sounds in one or both ears, ranging from mild difficulty following conversations to profound deafness. It can be classified as conductive (involving the outer or middle ear), sensorineural (involving the inner ear or auditory nerve), or mixed, and may develop gradually with age or suddenly due to injury or illness. Hearing loss affects communication, social interaction, and quality of life, and untreated hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia.

Symptoms

Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
Frequently asking others to speak more slowly, clearly, or loudly
Needing to turn up the volume on the television or phone
Ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears (tinnitus)
Difficulty hearing consonants or high-pitched sounds
Withdrawal from conversations and social situations
Muffled perception of speech and other sounds

Causes

  • Age-related degeneration of inner ear structures (presbycusis)
  • Prolonged exposure to loud noise damaging hair cells in the cochlea
  • Earwax buildup or foreign object blocking the ear canal
  • Ear infections (otitis media) or fluid in the middle ear
  • Ruptured eardrum from infection, pressure changes, or trauma
  • Genetic factors and hereditary hearing loss

Risk Factors

  • Age over 60 (presbycusis is the most common cause)
  • Occupational or recreational exposure to loud noise
  • Family history of hearing loss
  • Certain medications (ototoxic drugs such as aminoglycosides and cisplatin)
  • Chronic ear infections
  • Medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and Meniere's disease

Diagnosis

  • Pure-tone audiometry to measure hearing thresholds across frequencies
  • Speech audiometry to assess ability to understand spoken words
  • Tympanometry to evaluate middle ear function
  • Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing to assess inner ear hair cell function
  • MRI for suspected acoustic neuroma or central auditory pathway lesions

Treatment

  • Hearing aids to amplify sound for mild to severe hearing loss
  • Cochlear implants for severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss
  • Earwax removal for conductive hearing loss caused by blockage
  • Surgical repair for conductive hearing loss (tympanoplasty, stapedectomy)
  • Assistive listening devices and communication strategies
  • Bone-anchored hearing systems for specific types of conductive hearing loss

Prevention

  • Wear hearing protection (earplugs, earmuffs) in loud environments
  • Follow the 60/60 rule: listen at no more than 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time
  • Get regular hearing screenings, especially after age 50
  • Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal, including cotton swabs
  • Treat ear infections promptly to prevent permanent damage

When to See a Doctor

  • You notice a sudden loss of hearing in one or both ears
  • Hearing difficulty is interfering with daily communication
  • You experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus) along with hearing loss
  • You have ear pain, drainage, or dizziness accompanied by hearing changes

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

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Endocrine

High Blood Pressure

Cardiovascular

Depression

Mental Health

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Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

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