Signs And Symptoms Of Hearing Loss

Knowing the signs and symptoms of hearing loss alerts you to a dysfunction of the auditory system of the ear. Consulting with your health care provider allows for diagnosis and treatment to prevent further damage to the structures within the ear, whose sole function is to pass the information to the brain for interpretation.

What are the symptoms?

• Ear pain


• Fluid drainage


• Muffled sound of speech


• Inability to understand speech that is not stroke related


• Avoiding interaction with others: Many times, the person afflicted with hearing loss may feel some embarrassment of having to ask people to repeat everything they say.


• Depression due to impact on social activities: Feelings of isolation can manifest


• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) may sound like a low hum or buzzing sound

Other Signs may include itching and conditions that cause dizziness such as:

• Vertigo: Dizziness usually due to a problem with the inner ear where balance is disrupted.


• Ménière's disease: Vertigo, ringing in the ears, and temporary hearing loss.


• Benign tumors: Acoustic neuroma is a slow-growing tumor of the nerve that connects the ear to the brain.


• Labyrinthitis: Caused by bacteria or viruses that inflame the the inner ear causing a feeling of imbalance.

You may notice that someone who is hard of hearing may need to face you when speaking to them, or may need to look you directly in the face to read your lips. Another well known sign is their need to have the TV or radio up very loud where it disturbs others in the household or even the neighbors. Often times the person will complain that people are muttering and they can't understand a word that is said unless you speak loudly also.

Although auditory problems can strike at any age, the elderly population have a higher incidence of hearing difficulties. Hearing abilities begin to decrease around the ages of 30-40, and as we age this hearing loss progresses. Without diagnosis and treatment, hearing loss can be can result in profound deafness. It is important to see a health care professional when it becomes evident that some degree of hearing loss has occurred.

Types of hearing loss:

• Conductive Hearing Loss: Problems in the external and middle ear impede sound from reaching the inner ear.


• Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Damage to structures of the inner ear and/or the hearing nerve, treatable medically or by surgery.


• Mixed Hearing Loss: A mixture of both Conductive and sensorineural. It is very common and is treated with hearing aids.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) This condition is a result of nerve damage that causes a person with normal hearing to not be able to process speech appropriately. It is a type of hearing loss that may have a genetic proponent. It can be present at birth, as well a being an acquired condition.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT