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Hearing loss refers to a partial or complete inability to hear sounds in one or both ears and when there is a problem with one or more parts of the ear, and it can affect people of all ages. In Singapore, it’s estimated that 500,000 individuals are diagnosed with hearing loss. The degree of severity can be classified as mild, moderate, severe, or profound. To understand the causes of hearing loss, it’s useful to have a basic grasp of normal function.
The three main parts of the ear are the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. Hearing begins when sound waves pass through the outer ear to the eardrum, which is the thin piece of skin between your outer and middle ear. When the sound waves reach the eardrum, the eardrum vibrates.
The three bones of the middle ear are called ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes). The eardrum and the ossicles work together to increase the vibrations as the sound waves travel onward to the inner ear.
When the sound waves reach the inner ear, they travel through the fluids of the cochlea. The cochlea is a snail-shaped structure in the inner ear. In the cochlea, there are nerve cells with thousands of miniature hairs attached to them. These hairs help convert the sound wave vibrations into electrical signals that then travel to your brain. Your brain interprets these electrical signals as sound. Different sound vibrations create different reactions in these tiny hairs, signaling different sounds to your brain.
There are 3 main types of hearing loss, and each relates to a specific part of the hearing system where damage has occurred.
| Conductive Hearing Loss (CHL) | Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL) | Mixed Hearing Loss (MHL) | |
| Part of the ear that is affected | Middle or outer ear | Inner ear or cochlear and/or its associated nerves | Inner and middle ear |
| Description | Conductive hearing loss is temporary. With treatment from ENT, the pathology is curable, and hearing can be recovered. However, if the problem persists for three months after ENT management, it’s advisable to use hearing aids to avoid any impact of hearing loss, especially for children as the ability to hear clearly is crucial for their speech and academic development. | It is a nerve-related hearing loss that occurs mainly due to aging, and it is not curable. Those with sensorineural hearing loss will not recover their hearing. With the help of a hearing aid, people with SNHL can regain their hearing ability. | With proper management from ENT, the conductive pathology can be cured, and the patient will improve hearing after treatment. If people with MHL decided not to take any medical treatment, wearing a hearing aid can help to improve their hearing. |
| Causes |
Middle ear:
Outer ear:
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Mix of causes from sensorineural and conductive hearing loss |
Hearing loss typically occurs over time. At first, you may not notice any changes in your hearing. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should contact your doctor or schedule an appointment with your audiologist:
Noise-induced hearing loss is typically irreversible and can worsen with repeated exposure. Individuals working with heavy machinery or in construction should prioritize using proper ear protection when exposed to loud noises, particularly over extended periods. Regular hearing tests are essential to monitor any changes in hearing sensitivity.
Young people should be cautious with earphone use, avoiding high volumes and limiting exposure to loud music to prevent early onset hearing damage. Whether at work or leisure, it's crucial to monitor noise levels and take steps to protect your hearing without sacrificing activities you enjoy. For frequent concert-goers, investing in custom earplugs from an audiologist can provide optimal protection tailored for musical events.
Swimmers can benefit from custom-made swimming earplugs, offering a secure fit to shield against irritation and potential infections.
Individuals aged around 50 or those exposed to risk factors for hearing loss due to work or lifestyle should consider annual hearing tests. Early detection through regular screenings can facilitate prompt intervention and preserve hearing health.
In conclusion, understanding the causes, types, and prevention of hearing loss is crucial for maintaining auditory health across all stages of life. Early detection and appropriate management can significantly improve outcomes for individuals affected by hearing impairment. If you wouldn't hesitate to have your eyes or teeth checked, it is time to add regular hearing exams to your list of check-ups. If your test indicates you already have some hearing loss, you can begin taking action to prevent it from getting worse. If you need hearing aids, your hearing professional can discuss the best options for your hearing loss, lifestyle and budget. If you need a hearing test, or if you suspect you may already have some hearing loss, visit 20dB Digisound or book an appointment for a hearing test and consultation with our certified audiologist.
Written by: Mohana, Audiologist at 20dB Digisound
