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 at your nearest Bloom Hearing Specialists store to get your hearing tested for bilateral hearing loss.
Getting to the root of the problem
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
Decoding your hearing test results
Audiograms show varying degrees of bilateral hearing loss, which can be sensorineural, conductive, or mixed. They represent a person's hearing sensitivity across different frequencies and loudness levels. Consider audiograms alongside medical history and symptoms.
Hearing aids can significantly improve hearing for bilateral loss, approaching normal levels. Schedule a hearing test at our centre to explore your options.
Healthy living helps your hearing
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 tests 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 test 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.
