What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing is a complex process that detects environmental sounds, converts them into nerve signals and transmits them to the brain. Hearing loss occurs as a result of impairments in the hearing mechanism and manifests itself as a decrease or loss of sensitivity to sound frequencies. Hearing loss can affect an individual's daily life, make communication skills difficult and lead to social isolation.
Types of Hearing Loss
Conductive Hearing Loss: It is caused by problems in the outer and middle ear. It usually occurs due to ear infections, blockages or perforation of the eardrum.
Neural (Sensorineural) Hearing Loss: It develops as a result of damage to the hair cells in the inner ear or the auditory nerve. Genetic factors, ageing and noise exposure can cause this condition.
Mixed Type Hearing Loss: It is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss and usually requires detailed assessment.
Functional Hearing Loss: It is caused by psychological factors; the individual may feel difficulty in hearing even if he/she knows that there is no hearing loss.
Central (Central) Hearing Loss: It is caused by communication problems between the auditory nerve and the brain, even if the organs function normally, there may be difficulty in perceiving sounds.
Degrees of Hearing Loss:
Hearing loss is divided into different degrees according to its severity:
- Normal Hearing (0-25 dB): Ability to hear normal sounds.
- Mild Hearing Loss (26-40 dB): Difficulty perceiving low sounds.
- Moderate Hearing Loss (41-55 dB): Difficulty hearing sounds at normal speech level.
- Severe Hearing Loss (56-70 dB): Difficulty perceiving loud sounds.
- Severe Hearing Loss (71-90 dB): Ability to hear very loud sounds.
- Deep Hearing Loss (91 dB and above): Limited hearing even at very loud noises.
Causes of Hearing Loss
The causes of hearing loss are:
- Genetic Factors: Congenital hearing problems due to family history.
- Noise Exposure: Being in loud noise environments can damage the hair cells in the inner ear.
- Infections and Ear Diseases: Recurrent ear infections can cause fluid to accumulate in the middle ear.
- Tumours: Tumours affecting the inner ear or auditory nerve can lead to hearing loss.
- Side effects of medicines: Some medicines can damage the hair cells in the inner ear.
- Ageing: The risk of hearing loss increases with increasing age.
- Trauma and Head Injuries: Serious injuries can cause hearing loss.
Hearing Loss Symptoms
Symptoms of hearing loss usually develop over time and include
- Decreased Hearing: Difficulty with speech sounds.
- Incomprehensible Speech: Communication difficulties in noisy environments.
- Disturbance from loud noise: Even normal sounds can feel excessively loud or uncomfortable.
- Recurrent Ear Pains: It may be caused by problems in the middle ear.
- Continuous Tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing sensation in the ear.
- Imbalance Problems: Sudden dizziness and loss of balance.
- Social Isolation and Depression: Withdrawal from social life due to communication difficulties.
Hearing Loss Treatment
The treatment of hearing loss depends on the type and severity of the loss. Treatment options include the following:
- Hearing Aids: Improves hearing by amplifying outside sounds.
- Cochlear Implants: Sends an electrical signal directly to the inner ear and is suitable for those with severe hearing loss.
- Hearing Rehabilitation and Therapy: It is important to develop communication skills.
- Medication Therapy: May be effective in hearing loss caused by infections.
- Surgical Interventions: Problems in the middle ear may need to be corrected.
- Protective Measures: Reducing noise exposure helps prevent hearing loss.
English 
Turkish