What is hidden hearing loss, how to diagnose and prevent it on time. Click here to learn this and more in our insightful article!
Have you or a loved one experienced hearing loss? You probably know how challenging it is to find the right solution to improve your quality of life, especially when your condition is misdiagnosed.
If separating speech from noise is difficult in an environment with competing sounds, this is just one of the many challenges of hidden hearing loss. Keep reading to learn the impact of this often undetected condition and uncover the importance of early diagnosis and timely intervention.
People with hidden hearing loss typically ask themselves: “Why was my hearing test normal, but I can’t hear?”
Hidden hearing loss, also known as invisible hearing loss, is a type of hearing impairment often missed or undiagnosed through conventional hearing tests because these focus on issues within the ear rather than the nervous system.
Hidden hearing loss is characterized by the damage or loss of synapses (connections) between the inner hair cells and the auditory nerve fibers in the cochlea, responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain.
The condition uses the term “hidden” because a person with hidden hearing loss typically struggles to hear in noisy environments. Yet, results appear within the normal range during an audiogram or hearing test.
However, if the audiologist also conducts a speech-in-noise test, which simulates a noisy environment, the poor results indicate hidden hearing loss.
Hidden hearing loss can be challenging to detect as the symptoms are not always obvious. However, here are 5 common indicators:
Research on hidden hearing loss is ongoing, and there is much to learn about its causes and mechanisms. The condition can vary in severity and may stem from a combination of factors in individual cases, including:
Life with hidden hearing loss can feel like a constant challenge, as the difficulties may not be immediately apparent to others and can impact personal and professional interactions.
In social situations, the constant effort to concentrate and understand conversations leads to exhaustion and can take a toll, leading to mental fatigue. For some, frustration and isolation are common as daily interactions become a source of stress.
However, with awareness, understanding, and appropriate interventions, regaining a sense of connection with the world is possible.
Early diagnosis of hidden hearing loss is the first step to a better life. When you can identify the root of your condition, the rest falls into place.
Here are 4 reasons why early diagnosis is crucial:
1. Timely intervention: The sooner you are diagnosed, the earlier you can receive personalized plans addressing your communication challenges, including:
2. Preventing further damage: By identifying the underlying causes or contributing factors, you can mitigate the impact and reduce the risk of additional hearing loss, such as:
3. Emotional well-being: Living with an undiagnosed hidden hearing loss can be emotionally challenging, sometimes leading to a misdiagnosis such as ADHD or auditory processing disorder. Early diagnosis can provide:
4. Education and awareness: Early diagnosis of hidden hearing loss raises awareness among healthcare professionals, educators, and the general public, helping to:
If you are experiencing difficulties with your hearing despite receiving normal results on an audiogram or hearing test, don't lose hope!
While standard pure-tone audiometry, which measures hearing sensitivity across different frequencies, may not reveal hidden hearing loss, the following tests can help identify this condition:
Although, currently, there is no specific treatment for hidden hearing loss, ongoing research aims to develop medications that stimulate the growth of new synapses in neurons. However, there are several strategies worth trying:
While preventive measures promote overall hearing health, they do not guarantee complete prevention of hidden hearing loss or other forms of hearing loss.
However, the following practices can help promote overall hearing health and potentially reduce the risk of various forms of hearing loss, including hidden hearing loss:
If you suspect hidden hearing loss or experience difficulties in challenging listening situations, don't hesitate to seek help and get checked by your healthcare provider.
Your hearing health is vital, and early detection can make a significant difference in managing the condition and improving your quality of life. Taking proactive steps to care for your hearing, such as protecting your ears from loud noise, practicing safe listening habits, and getting regular check-ups, can contribute to preserving your auditory function.