Bilateral Hearing Loss Explained

Bilateral hearing loss refers to hearing loss in both ears. It can be permanent, temporary or a case of both in different parts of the ear. It can result from a variety of causes and can range from mild to severe.

Living with bilateral hearing loss can make everyday activities more challenging and it can impact an individual's ability to understand speech, enjoy music and other sounds, and participate in everyday activities.

Bilateral hearing loss means that both ears have trouble hearing. It can happen in a few different ways:

• Sensorineural hearing loss - caused by problems in the inner ear or the hearing nerve, often due to aging or loud noise
• Conductive hearing loss - caused by issues in the outer or middle ear, like earwax, fluid, or infections
• Mixed hearing loss - a combination of both inner ear and outer/middle ear 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:

• Aging (age-related hearing loss), which can gradually reduce hearing ability over time.
• Exposure to loud noise, such as machinery, concerts, or prolonged headphone use.
• Physical damage or blockages, including earwax buildup or injury to the ear.
• Ear infections and other medical conditions that affect hearing.
• Certain medications that may have hearing-related side effects.

While bilateral hearing loss often develops slowly, it can sometimes occur suddenly and should be evaluated by a hearing care professional as soon as possible.

Since we’re all so different, ears included, identifying a hearing loss issue can be tricky. But one thing is certain: the sooner you recognise the symptoms of bilateral hearing loss, the sooner you can take steps toward better hearing.

Unsure if you’re dealing with bilateral hearing loss? Some signs include:

• Turning up the TV too loud
• Trouble locating where sounds are coming from
• Difficulty following group conversations when sound is coming from multiple directions
• Struggling to hear speech clearly, especially in noisy places
• Muffled hearing
• Difficulties understanding people on the phone
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears due to tinnitus
• Reduced hearing in both ears
• Feeling tired or stressed from having to concentrate harder to listen
• Social withdrawal

For many people with bilateral hearing loss, these symptoms can affect daily conversations, work, and social activities. If you believe you may be experiencing bilateral hearing loss, contact a Hearing Care Professional to follow up.

An audiogram is a simple chart that shows how well you hear different pitches and volumes. For bilateral hearing loss, the audiogram reflects hearing ability in both ears, helping your hearing care professional understand whether the loss is sensorineural, conductive, or mixed.

Reviewing your audiogram with an expert is the best way to explore solutions such as hearing aids, that can bring you closer to better hearing health.

There is no magic formula to prevent bilateral hearing loss, but there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk and limit cognitive decline:

• 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 of bilateral hearing loss, avoid prolonged loud noise and protect your ears during pressure changes, such as when your ears hurt when flying, by using earplugs or other protective gear.
  
  
• 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 symptoms of bilateral 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 or a Hearing Care Professional to ensure that your hearing is in good health.

Finding the proper treatment for bilateral hearing loss depends on the cause. In some cases, 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 and help to feel your best again.

Because bilateral hearing loss affects both ears, some individuals may benefit from hearing aids in both ears, depending on their hearing test results and their Hearing Care Professional's recommendation.

To find out the best course of action and discover which hearing aid is right for your lifestyle, 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.