Bilateral hearing loss

Bilateral hearing loss is a condition characterized by a decrease in auditory function in both ears. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, noise exposure, genetic disorders, and certain diseases or infections. Bilateral hearing loss can range from mild to profound, and can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.

Causes

The causes of bilateral hearing loss can be divided into two main categories: conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss is caused by problems in the outer or middle ear, which prevent sound from reaching the inner ear. This can be due to blockages, such as earwax or fluid from an infection, or damage to the ear structures, such as a perforated eardrum or otosclerosis.

Sensorineural hearing loss, on the other hand, is caused by damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. This can be due to aging, exposure to loud noise, certain medications, and diseases such as Meniere's disease or autoimmune inner ear disease.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of bilateral hearing loss is a decreased ability to hear sounds in both ears. This can manifest as difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments, and a need to turn up the volume on electronic devices. Other symptoms can include tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ears, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss typically involves a comprehensive audiological evaluation, which can include pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and tympanometry. Additional tests, such as otoacoustic emissions testing or auditory brainstem response testing, may also be used to determine the type and severity of the hearing loss.

Treatment

Treatment for bilateral hearing loss depends on the cause and severity of the hearing loss. For conductive hearing loss, treatment may involve removing the blockage or treating the underlying infection. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair the damaged ear structures.

For sensorineural hearing loss, treatment typically involves the use of hearing aids or cochlear implants. These devices can amplify sounds and help improve the individual's ability to hear. In some cases, assistive listening devices or lip reading and sign language may also be beneficial.

See also

• Unilateral hearing loss
• Presbycusis
• Noise-induced hearing loss
• Hearing loss in children