Bilateral Hearing Loss: When Both Ears Are Affected

When looking at hearing loss, it is best to figure out the types of hearing loss there are, and why they are present. Whether you are born with hearing loss, or have developed it over time, this type of ailment can affect hearing in one or both ears. One type of hearing loss is bilateral hearing loss, in which in both ears there is a reduction in hearing. Before knowing what causes hearing loss in both ears, or bilateral hearing loss, it is best to know the types and causes of hearing loss first. There are three main types of hearing loss, sensor neural, conducive and mixed hearing loss. Conducive hearing loss occurs in which sounds are not going through to the eardrum as effectively. This type of hearing loss results in a reduction of sound, and can be corrected with, or without surgery and is a result of something as major as a benign tumor or as minor as a ball of earwax.

The other type of hearing loss, sensor neural is when damaged has occurred to the nerve leading to the auditory section of the brain. This type of hearing loss cannot be restored through surgery, or the use of a hearing aid. Sensor neural hearing loss is can be caused by a number of factors, including a virus, birth defect, exposure to loud noise over a long period of time, or drug abuse. Lastly, mixed hearing loss is a result of both conducive and sensor neural hearing loss. Whatever type is may be, bilateral hearing loss is a result of one of the three types of hearing loss.

Treating Hearing Loss

If you suffer from bilateral hearing loss, then hearing is diminished in both ears. The types of treatment include surgical correction and hearing aids. Unfortunately, the type and ability of bilateral hearing loss treatment depends heavily upon the extent of the hearing loss and the type. If the sound level is completely gone from both ears, then hearing aids could do little good. If, however only slight hearing loss is present, then hearing aids will usually help with increasing the ear’s ability to hear faint or distant sounds. Whatever the cause, it is best to consult with your physician or audiologist to find the best solution for your hearing loss. They are the only ones who can give you accurate results to the hearing tests.