Unknown Facts About Hearing Loss

Hearing is a fundamental sense that connects us to the world around us. It's crucial for communication, social interaction, and overall well-being. However, hearing loss is a surprisingly common issue that affects people of all ages.

This article featuring insights from Dr Mohamad Hazri bin Hamal, who specialises in Ear, Nose & Throat, delves into seven fascinating facts you might not know about hearing loss, including the intricate mechanisms within our ears and how they work together. By understanding these, you can gain valuable insights into this condition and take proactive steps to safeguard your hearing health.

1. Hearing Loss is More Widespread Than You Think

Hearing loss is a prevalent condition that impacts millions of people worldwide. It's not exclusive to the elderly; hearing loss can occur at any stage of life. While age-related hearing loss is most common, exposure to loud noises (over 85 decibels for extended periods), ear infections, and certain medications can also damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing impairment. 

Important to take note, that any hearing impairment that happens suddenly/ acute needs an urgent Ear, Nose & Throat (Otorhinolaryngology) consult to prevent worsening hearing loss.

2. Tiny Hair Cells Make a Big Difference

Deep within the inner ear lies a hidden world called the cochlea. This snail-shaped structure houses thousands of microscopic hair cells, the foundation of our hearing ability. These hair cells have even tinier projections called stereocilia on their surface. When sound waves travel through the ear, they cause the hair cells to vibrate. The stereocilia bend in response to these vibrations, triggering the hair cells to convert the sound waves into electrical signals. These electrical signals are then interpreted by the brain as sound.

3. It's Not Just About Missing Faint Sounds

Many people mistakenly believe that hearing loss only affects the ability to hear quiet sounds. However, damage to hair cells can disrupt this process in various ways. Hearing loss can distort sounds, making it difficult to distinguish between words with similar sounds (like "bat" and "cat") or understand speech in noisy environments. This can lead to frustration and social isolation. Patient might also find it difficult to converse through telephone as they miss some high frequency notes due to hearing loss.

4. Left vs. Right: A Symphony of Two Ears

Our brain plays a fascinating role in interpreting sound. The auditory pathways from each ear cross over to the opposite side of the brain. This means sounds received by the right ear are primarily processed by the left hemisphere, which excels at deciphering speech and other rapidly changing signals. Conversely, sounds received by the left ear are processed mainly by the right hemisphere, which is better equipped for processing tones and music.

Therefore, hearing loss in one ear can make it more challenging to process certain sounds on that side. For instance, people with greater hearing loss in the left ear might find it harder to understand speech, while those with greater loss in the right ear might experience difficulty with music and tonal variations. 

5. Tinnitus: The Ringing Enigma

Tinnitus is the perception of ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears or head in the absence of external sound. It's a common symptom that often accompanies hearing loss, but it can also occur on its own. While the exact cause of tinnitus remains unknown, it's thought to be linked to damage to the hair cells or auditory pathways in the brain.

6. The Effects Go Beyond Difficulty Hearing: A Ripple Effect on Well-being

The consequences of hearing loss extend far beyond simply missing out on conversations. Untreated hearing loss can negatively impact cognitive function, mental health, and overall well-being. Studies have shown a link between hearing loss and an increased risk of dementia, depression, and anxiety. The strain of trying to decipher muffled or distorted speech can lead to fatigue and social withdrawal, further impacting quality of life.

7. Hearing Loss and Your Balance

The inner ear also plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. Damage to the hair cells or other structures within the inner ear can contribute to balance problems, dizziness, and vertigo. This is why some people with hearing loss also experience these additional symptoms.

By being aware of the risk factors and the potential consequences of untreated hearing loss, we can prioritize early intervention and explore options like hearing aids to maintain optimal hearing health. Remember, a simple hearing test can make a world of difference. Don't hesitate to consult a hearing professional if you suspect you or someone you know might have hearing loss. By taking charge of your hearing health, you can continue to connect, ­engage, and experience the richness of the world around you.

This article was contributed by Dr Mohamad Hazri Bin Hamal, Consultant Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)/ Otorhinolaryngologist at Pantai Hospital Ampang. To know more about where and when to see Dr Mohamad Hazri Bin Hamal at his clinic, click here.