Hearing Loss Singapore – Everything You Need To Know About Causes, Types, & Treatment
Hearing Loss: An Ultimate Guide
Hearing loss is when a person loses their ability to hear sounds normally in the same way as others might be able to. This can happen in either one or both ears. Generally, a person is considered to be hearing imparied when they have trouble hearing sounds of 20 decibels or louder, which is around the volume of rustling leaves or a whisper from a distance.
Hearing loss levels
Hearing loss can range over a few levels, from mild to profound. Mild to moderate forms of hearing loss, where hearing capabilities still exist, may be simply referred to as being hard of hearing. On the other hand, severe and profound hearing loss may be classified as deafness. This is when little to no hearing ability is present.
Hearing loss range
Mild hearing loss: 26 to 40 dB
Difficulty hearing rustling leaves, whispers, humming of a refrigerator
Moderate hearing loss: 41 to 55 dB
Difficulty hearing light rainfall
Moderately severe hearing loss: 56 to 70 dB
Difficulty hearing normal conversations, toilet flushing, vacuum cleaner
Severe hearing loss: 71 to 90 dB
Difficulty hearing heavy traffic, hair dryer
Profound hearing loss: Over 90 dB
Difficulty or complete inability in hearing extremely loud noises like ambulance sirens, helicopters, drills.
Hearing Loss Types
Hearing loss is classified into 3 types by medical professionals:
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of permanent hearing loss. This happens when the inner part of the ear or auditory nerves experience damage, which affects the transmission of sounds from the ears to the brain. As a result, soft sounds such as normal conversations become difficult to hear, with loud noises also becoming muffled, depending on the degree of hearing impairment.
- Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss happens when there are obstructions in the middle and/or outer ear, which partially blocks how sound waves travel through to the brain. This could be due to ear wax, fluid due to infection or allergy, growths, or other external factors. Fortunately, conductive hearing loss is usually temporary and depending on its cause, can often be treated with simple medical treatment, surgery, or a hearing aid.
- Mixed Hearing Loss
As its name suggests, mixed hearing loss is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, where there’s damage to both the inner and middle or outer parts of the ears.
Hearing loss causes
Ageing-related hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss commonly occurs in the elderly, as the general structure of the inner ear naturally degenerates as one ages. Chances of age-related hearing loss can depend on hereditary factors and one’s genetic makeup.
Noise damage
Another main cause of sensorineural hearing loss is noise damage. Usually, this is caused by excessive exposure to loud noises over a period of time, which can include work environments in industries like construction, factory manufacturing, and nightlife. Lifestyle habits also play a part – having hobbies like motor spots, carpentry, and listening to music at dangerous volumes can all contribute to hearing loss.
Noise damage can also be caused via a short and sudden blast of noise, such as an explosion, or the sound of gunshots being fired close to your ear.
Injury, illness, and allergies
A high-impact injury to the head or ear structure, which damages the eardrum or auditory nerves, can result in permanent hearing loss.
You might also find yourself hard of hearing when experiencing non-serious illnesses and allergies, especially the cold or flu. The ear, nose, and throat are all connected and during a cold or flu, congestion and fluid build up, which causes blockages in the ear that result in conductive hearing loss. This is only temporary, and hearing should return to normal once the flu symptoms subside.
In rarer cases, permanent hearing loss can occur in the event of certain illnesses, should a viral or bacterial infection spread from the area of concern to the cochlea in the inner ear. One such example is meningitis.
Congenital hearing loss
Some people are born with partial or profound hearing loss as a result of genetic disorders or prenatal exposure to diseases like mumps, measles, and the flu, as well as exposure to harmful substances like alcohol.
Babies can also develop congenital ear deformities in the womb for the same reasons, which can affect their sense of hearing. A malformed ear with an irregular shape may not be able to hear properly either due to its incomplete structure, or a full or partial obstruction to the ear canal.
Hearing loss treatment
Sensorineural hearing loss often cannot be treated surgically or medically, but can easily be alleviated with a hearing aid.
Treatment of conductive hearing loss would depend more on its causation. Typically, it is fixed by simple medical treatment or surgery, but in certain cases – such as chronic ear infections – a hearing aid may be used to help improve hearing.
Hearing aids by The Hearing Centre
The Hearing Centre, a hearing aid specialist in Singapore, offers an extensive range of high-quality hearing aids for all types and levels of hearing loss, from mild to profound. Here are some of the hearing aid brands we carry and whom they might be suitable for:
Phonak
- Receiver-in-canal hearing aids
- For all levels of hearing loss, from mild to profound
Signia
- Small, discreet hearing aids
- Clear and natural-sounding amplification
- For mild to moderate hearing loss
ReSound
- Microphone & Receiver-In-Ear hearing aids
- Compatible with Apple and Android tech devices
- For all levels of hearing loss, from mild to profound
Starkey
- Small and convenient in-canal hearing aids
- On-demand speech audibility boost with just a single tap
- For mild to moderate hearing loss
The Hearing Centre Reviews
“I’m very glad to have found The Hearing Centre. Until today, they are still giving me top-notch service.” – Ms Margaret Ong
“Our experience with The Hearing Centre clearly stands out from the other audiologists we called or met in Singapore…Very calmly, patiently, and compassionately, Ernest, Stephen, and Ms Indu took the time to help [our daughter] with the trial of her old device, and the selection and turning of a new one. And when, likely due to harsh school recess treatment, one of the moulds detached from the tube, they first made an emergency repair, then ordered another one for us. Beyond the call of duty, Stephen volunteered to discuss with us speech challenges our daughter is having, and recommended us a few speech therapists” – Frederic and Ting
Get the best hearing aids from The Hearing Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the most common signs of hearing loss?
Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments, frequently asking people to repeat themselves, and turning the volume up on devices are all common signs.
Q2. How can hearing loss affect daily life?
Hearing loss can make communication challenging, leading to feelings of isolation, frustration, and difficulty in professional or social settings.
Q3. Are hearing aids the best solution for all types of hearing loss?
Hearing aids are most effective for sensorineural hearing loss, but they may not work as well for individuals with severe or profound hearing loss. In such cases, implants might be recommended.
Q4. Can I prevent hearing loss?
Yes, by protecting your ears from loud noises, avoiding harmful medications, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes, you can reduce your risk of hearing loss.
Q5. How do I know if I need a hearing aid?
If you experience difficulty hearing conversations, particularly in noisy environments, or frequently need to turn up the volume on devices, you may benefit from a hearing aid.
Q6. What is the difference between cochlear implants and hearing aids?
Hearing aids amplify sound, while cochlear implants directly stimulate the auditory nerve, bypassing damaged parts of the ear, making them suitable for individuals with severe hearing loss.
Q7. Can hearing loss be reversed?
While some causes of hearing loss can be treated or reversed, many types, such as sensorineural hearing loss, are permanent. However, treatment options like hearing aids and implants can significantly improve hearing ability.
Q8. How long do hearing aids last?
Most hearing aids last between 3-5 years, depending on usage and maintenance. Regular servicing can extend their lifespan.
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