“Hearing loss, defined as “a condition that occurs when there are problems in the ears or the nerves that carry sound to the brain's hearing-responsible region,” can affect a person's quality of life. Experts emphasize that not being able to hear or understand whispers from an arm's length distance in a quiet environment can indicate hearing loss, stating that hearing loss should not be neglected. Experts warned, “Even with very mild hearing loss, not using a hearing aid can atrophy the parts of the brain responsible for understanding sounds and lead to irreversible problems.”
Not using a hearing aid can atrophy the brain!
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Audiology Research Assistant Busemnaz Avşar, made evaluations regarding hearing loss, its causes, and treatment.
Pay attention to these symptoms!
Audiologist Avşar drew attention to the symptoms of hearing loss, stating, “You might be experiencing hearing loss if you have these complaints: ‘I have difficulty understanding others in noisy environments,’ ‘I hear but I don't understand,’ ‘People speak as if they are whispering,’ ‘I struggle to distinguish words and sounds,’ ‘They tell me I watch TV at a very high volume.’ The symptoms listed are highly likely to be indicators of hearing loss. According to World Health Organization data, hearing loss is the most common sensory deficit, affecting an estimated 466 million people worldwide.”
Hearing losses can be permanent
Audiologist Busemnaz Avşar stated that hearing loss is a condition that occurs when there are problems in our ears or in the nerves that carry sound to the part of the brain responsible for hearing. She said, “The ear is divided into sections, and hearing loss is named according to which of these sections the problem causing the loss originates from. The problem can be external ear and/or middle ear related. While some can be resolved with medication or surgical intervention, in some cases, hearing loss is permanent. In cases involving the inner ear and/or the auditory nerve and beyond, hearing loss is permanent. Sometimes, problems originate from both the outer ear-middle ear and the inner ear, and the hearing loss is permanent.”
Hearing aids should be used
Audiologist Avşar noted that hearing aids should be used to prevent hearing loss from negatively affecting quality of life, as is the case with other problems causing permanent hearing loss. She warned, “In other words, hearing loss can be classified as temporary and permanent depending on which part of the ear the damage originates from. However, the level of hearing loss is also an important factor. Not being able to hear/understand whispered sounds from an arm's length distance in a quiet environment should also suggest the possibility of hearing loss.”
Hearing loss can be seen in every age group
Avşar stated that in Turkey, 2-3 out of every 1000 newborns are born with hearing loss. She added, “Sometimes a baby born with healthy hearing can also experience hearing loss during childhood. In addition, some environmental factors are risk factors for hearing loss for every age group. Furthermore, the aging process often brings with it hearing loss. In other words, hearing loss can be seen in every age group, from a newborn baby to an individual in old age.”
Exposure to excessive noise should be avoided
Audiologist Busemnaz Avşar stated that some precautions can be taken to prevent hearing loss, and said the following:
“The best way to prevent hearing loss is to avoid excessive noise exposure both at work and at other times. If the work environment has high noise, ear protection plugs will be beneficial for hearing protection. Another way is to avoid medications that have side effects on the auditory system. It is very important to check whether the medications used have any side effects on the auditory system. Furthermore, recurrent ear infections require regular assessment of hearing. Taking precautions to prevent head trauma is another way to protect against hearing loss.”
When there is a hearing complaint, audiology should be consulted
Audiologist Avşar noted that professionals dealing with hearing and balance are audiologists. She said, “Audiologists are critically important in the clinical management of hearing loss, balance problems that hearing loss may cause, and isolated balance problems not accompanied by hearing loss. When individuals with suspected hearing loss come to audiology clinics, the patient's complaint and its history are first learned in detail.”
Earwax can also cause hearing loss
Avşar continued: “Even earwax can sometimes cause hearing loss. Therefore, if earwax is noticed during otoscopic examination, it will first need to be removed. After the patient's history and otoscopic check, further examinations are performed to determine the type/degree of hearing loss and to assess the ability to understand speech. Determining the type and degree of hearing loss along with the patient's complaints is crucial for identifying the correct approach to aid hearing.”
Hearing aids are commonly used in hearing loss
Audiologist Avşar noted that hearing loss can be remedied thanks to developing technology, stating that hearing aids are used in the management of hearing loss. She said, “Although medical and technological advancements to date have allowed significant steps to be taken for the remediation of permanent hearing loss, the expected level has not yet been reached. For this reason, hearing aid applications are still the most commonly used method in the management of hearing loss. A hearing aid carefully adjusted by audiologists according to the patient's hearing loss will significantly alleviate the negative effects of hearing loss on the patient, making them more comfortable.”
Assistive listening devices and bionic ear are also used
Avşar stated that assistive listening devices are another option used in hearing loss. She said, “In some cases, especially with very severe hearing losses, hearing aids may not be effective. In these situations, the cochlear implantation (bionic ear) method, which surgically sends sound directly to the auditory nerve, is utilized. For certain types of hearing loss, ear surgery, ear tubes, and medication treatment are also other applied methods.”
Hearing loss also affects the brain!
Audiologist Busemnaz Avşar emphasized that hearing losses should not be neglected and concluded her words as follows:
“It should be remembered that; hearing aids not only allow one to hear but also enable the brain to understand all sounds encountered in daily life, including speech. Even with very mild hearing loss, not using a hearing aid can atrophy the parts of the brain responsible for understanding sounds and lead to irreversible problems.”