Understanding Hearing Loss: Types, Causes & When to Seek Help

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Hearing is something most of us take for granted—until we start missing conversations, increasing TV volume, or struggling to hear in noisy places. Hearing loss doesn’t always happen suddenly; most cases develop slowly and silently over time.

In this blog, let us understand the types of hearing loss, common causes, symptoms, and most importantly—when you should visit an ENT specialist.

🔶 What Exactly Is Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss is a partial or complete inability to hear sounds. It can affect:

  • One ear or both ears

  • Certain sound frequencies

  • Understanding of speech

  • Everyday communication

It may be temporary (infections, wax, cold) or permanent (nerve damage, ageing, trauma).

🧠 Types of Hearing Loss

Doctors usually classify hearing loss into three main types.

1️⃣ Conductive Hearing Loss

Occurs when sound cannot pass through the outer or middle ear.

Causes

  • Ear wax blockage

  • Ear infection

  • Fluid in ear

  • Damaged eardrum

  • Foreign body

  • Genetic conditions

Treatable?

MOST cases are treatable with medication or procedures.

2️⃣ Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Occurs due to damage in inner ear or the hearing nerve.

Causes

  • Ageing

  • Loud noise exposure

  • Head injury

  • Viral infections

  • Genetics

Treatable?

This type is usually permanent, but hearing aids, implants and therapies can help.

3️⃣ Mixed Hearing Loss

A combination of conductive + sensorineural issues.

Example: ear infection in an already age-related hearing loss patient.

🔶 Common Symptoms of Hearing Loss

You may experience:

✔ Frequently asking people to repeat
✔ Trouble hearing in crowded places
✔ Turning TV volume high
✔ Ringing sound in the ear (tinnitus)
✔ Feeling the ear is blocked
✔ Difficulty understanding children’s voices
✔ Feeling socially withdrawn

Many people ignore early symptoms—leading to long-term issues.

🔶 Major Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing may be affected due to:

  • Ageing

  • Noise pollution

  • Ear infection

  • Cold & allergies

  • Hereditary factors

  • Medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension)

  • Head trauma

  • Certain medicines

  • Prolonged earphone usage

  • Workplace noise

If your job includes loud machinery, traffic, sirens, or construction—you are at higher risk.

🔶 When Should You Visit an ENT Doctor?

Seek help when you notice:

  • Frequent ear infections

  • Sudden reduced hearing

  • Ringing or buzzing

  • Persistent ear blockage

  • Hearing difficulty for more than 2–3 weeks

  • Dizziness with hearing issues

  • Fluid discharge from ear

  • Pain with hearing loss

The earlier it is diagnosed, the better the treatment success.

🟡 How an ENT Doctor Helps

ENT specialists can:

  • Examine ears with otoscopy

  • Conduct hearing tests (audiometry)

  • Prescribe medicines

  • Remove wax

  • Suggest hearing aids

  • Treat infections

  • Manage tinnitus

  • Perform ear surgeries if required

🧏 Is Hearing Loss Preventable?

YES—especially noise related hearing loss.

Protect your ears by:
✔ Avoiding loud headphones
✔ Using earplugs in noisy areas
✔ Reducing music/TV volume
✔ Doing yearly ENT check-ups after age 40

⭐ Final Thoughts

Hearing loss is common—but not normal. Don’t wait until it becomes difficult to communicate with your loved ones. Early consultation ensures better treatment, better hearing, and better quality of life.

If you suspect hearing issues, book a check-up with your nearest ENT specialist at the earliest.

📞 Contact ENTone – Bhubaneswar

ENTONE Clinic
5, 26, Acharya Vihar – Jaydev Vihar Rd, Square, Acharya Vihar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751013

Phone: ‎+919827001919

Email: sudiptaashe17@gmail.com

Website: entone.in