Hearing Loss — quietly progressive, usually treatable.

Overview

Conductive hearing loss involves the outer or middle ear (wax, fluid, perforated drum, fixed ossicles). These are often medical or surgical problems and many are reversible.

Sensorineural hearing loss involves the inner ear or auditory nerve (age, noise exposure, genetic factors). It is more permanent but very well managed with modern hearing aids — and, where indicated, cochlear implants.

Symptoms

• Asking people to repeat themselves often
• Turning up the TV volume higher than family members like
• Difficulty following conversations in crowded places
• A feeling that people are mumbling rather than speaking clearly
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)

Common Causes

• Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)
• Prolonged exposure to loud noise
• Earwax impaction or middle-ear fluid
• Genetic factors or family history
• Certain medications, infections, or head injury

Treatment Options

• Removal of wax or treatment of middle-ear fluid
• Modern digital hearing aids — discreet, programmable, rechargeable
• Stapedotomy or tympanoplasty surgery for selected conductive causes
• Cochlear implants for severe to profound sensorineural loss
• Aural rehabilitation and communication strategies

When to See an ENT

If you are increasingly avoiding social settings, struggling on the phone, or your family has commented — get an audiogram. Sudden hearing loss in one ear is a medical emergency and should be seen within 24–48 hours.