When both ears are affected
Bilateral hearing loss refers to hearing loss in both ears. It can be conductive, sensorineural or mixed. It can result from a variety of causes and can range from mild to severe. It can impact an individual's ability to understand speech, enjoy music and other sounds, and participate in everyday activities
Bilateral hearing loss can be symmetrical or asymmetrical, meaning it can affect both ears equally or the severity of the hearing loss can vary between the two ears.
Book an appointment with one of our hearing centers to get your hearing tested for bilateral hearing loss.
Getting to the root of the problem
As a type of hearing loss that often occurs gradually over time, bilateral hearing loss can be difficult to identify. This type of hearing loss affects both ears and can be caused by a variety of factors, including the aging process, loud noises, physical damage or blockage, infections and specific medications. It is generally a subtle decline in hearing abilities but can also come on suddenly.
Recognizing bilateral hearing loss
Since we’re all so different, ears included, identifying a hearing loss issue can be tricky. Whether it’s in one ear or two, occurring suddenly or gradually, and a slight inconvenience or major roadblock for you, one thing’s for sure: The faster you can identify the problem, the faster you’ll be on the path to better hearing.
Unsure if you’re dealing with bilateral hearing loss? Some tell-tale signs include:
- Turning up the TV too loud
- Struggling to hear speech clearly, especially in noisy places
- Muffled hearing
- Reduced hearing in both ears
If you believe you may be experiencing bilateral hearing loss, contacting a Hearing Care Professional is your best bet. You can also get a complimentary online screening for a first impression of your hearing abilities.
Decoding your hearing screening results
There are wide audiogram variations when it comes to bilateral hearing loss. Audiograms for bilateral hearing, in particular, will indicate hearing loss in both ears regardless of the type and could be sensorineural, conductive or mixed.
An audiogram is a visual representation of a person's hearing abilities, showing the quietest level of sound they can hear at different frequencies (pitches) on a graph. The horizontal axis displays frequencies while the vertical axis shows the level of loudness in decibels.
It is important to consider audiograms in combination with a person's medical history, symptoms and physical examination.
The chart illustrates how one or two hearing aids can affect the hearing abilities of those with bilateral hearing loss. As you can see, depending of the type and level, a set of hearing aids can make it possible to approach a “normal” level of hearing.
Book an appointment with one of our hearing centers to get your hearing tested for bilateral hearing loss.
Healthy living helps your hearing
There is no magic formula to prevent bilateral hearing loss, but there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Protect your ears from loud noises
Loud noises, such as concerts, loud music, and industrial or construction noise, can damage your hearing over time. To reduce your risk, it's important to limit exposure to loud noises and wear protective gear, such as earplugs, when necessary.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Good health practices, such as not smoking, avoiding certain medications that are known to damage hearing, and managing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, can help protect your hearing.
- Get regular hearing check-ups
Regular hearing screenings can detect any hearing loss early on, allowing for prompt treatment and reducing the risk of further damage. It's recommended to schedule a hearing screening with your doctor to ensure that your hearing is in good health.
Addressing the issue
Finding the proper treatment for bilateral hearing loss depends on the cause. For some, surgery to address damage may be required. For others, something as simple as targeting the source, such as earwax, may do the trick. Hearing aids can also be a great way to address permanent hearing loss.
To find out the best course of action, we recommend reaching out to a Hearing Care Professional for a proper consultation. From there, you’ll be able to find the right solution together.
