Hidden hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that cannot be discovered on standard hearing tests, but is reported by patients, especially in places with background noise. Hearing loss affects approximately 18% of the population worldwide, and hidden hearing loss could make that percentage even higher. It may be difficult to diagnose, so here’s what to consider when potentially experiencing the condition.
What Causes Hidden Hearing Loss
Hidden hearing loss is believed to be caused by damage to cells in the cochlea in the inner ear. These cells transmit sound to the brain and when they become damaged, the brain may have trouble understanding the speech signals.
This type of damage often doesn’t show up in traditional hearing tests, which primarily assess the ear’s ability to detect sounds in a quiet environment. However, in more complex listening environments, such as crowded restaurants like The Café, or busy streets, the brain has difficulty processing sound information effectively, leading to challenges in understanding speech.
One of the primary causes of hidden hearing loss is noise exposure. Prolonged or intense exposure to loud noises, such as concerts, construction work or listening to music at high volumes, can damage these delicate nerve fibers without necessarily affecting the hair cells themselves.
As a result, people may continue to pass basic hearing tests but still have trouble following conversations in noisy environments. Aging, certain medications and underlying neurological conditions may also contribute to hidden hearing loss.
Symptoms and Treatment Options
The main symptom of hidden hearing loss is difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments, even when individual words or sounds can still be heard clearly. People with this condition may find that they struggle to follow conversations when there is background noise, leading to frustration and fatigue from trying to listen. They may also notice that speech sounds muffled or unclear.
Unfortunately, because traditional hearing tests often fail to detect hidden hearing loss, it can go undiagnosed. If you suspect you have hidden hearing loss, it’s important to seek help from a hearing specialist who can investigate your ability to hear speech in busy settings, as there is no standardized test for hidden hearing loss.
Hidden hearing loss can be managed with the use of hearing aids, which specifically work to amplify sounds in busy environments.
For those who find it difficult to communicate in noisy environments, simple strategies like positioning yourself closer to the speaker, reducing background noise when possible or using visual cues can also help improve communication and reduce listening fatigue.
To learn more about hidden hearing loss or to schedule a hearing test, contact Heuser Hearing Institute today.