Bilateral hearing impairment affects both ears and can cause difficulty hearing. It can be caused by injury, damage, or earwax buildup. Diagnosis involves hearing tests, and treatment depends on the cause, ranging from earwax removal to hearing aids or cochlear implants. Those with bilateral hearing loss may be at risk of psychological problems.
Bilateral hearing impairment is a hearing impairment that occurs in both ears and impairs the ability to hear properly. Many individuals develop presbycusis, a degenerative condition characterized by gradual hearing loss, as they age. Treatment for bilateral hearing loss depends entirely on the cause of the hearing loss. Individuals diagnosed with bilateral hearing loss are considered to be at increased risk of developing psychological problems, including anxiety and depression.
Depending on the situation, the functional ear defect may result from injury or damage to the inner ear or earwax buildup. Generally, sound waves travel as vibrations in the ear by passing through the inner ear. Arriving at the cochlea as nerve signals, sound waves are interpreted by the microscopic hairs inside the cochlea and relayed to the brain. If any part of the middle or inner ear is damaged, the transfer of sound waves can be seriously impaired. The buildup of wax inside the ear can not only create a physical blockage, but it can inhibit the travel of sound waves to the inner ear.
In most cases, bilateral hearing loss can be diagnosed with a variety of diagnostic tests, starting with a general hearing test in a doctor’s office. Once referred to an audiologist, an individual can have an audiometric test. Administered through headphones, the test involves alternately delivering tones of varying degrees to each ear. When the individual hears the tone, he is asked to raise the respective hand for the side on which he heard the tone. Some individuals may also have a tuning fork test which is used to further determine the extent of one’s hearing loss with the use of different tuning fork sounds.
Those who develop bilateral hearing impairment may experience the gradual onset of a variety of signs and symptoms. Commonly, symptomatic individuals will notice that ambient sounds become dull, muffled, or muffled. Often, they will have difficulty deciphering other people’s speech and will often ask for clarification of what has been said. Individuals who believe they may develop some degree of bilateral hearing impairment may wait before seeking medical help. It is important to note that most forms of hearing loss, except that induced by earwax buildup, are irreversible.
Treatment for bilateral hearing loss depends on the cause of the hearing problem. Those whose damage is due to earwax buildup may have a simple in-office procedure to remove the blockage and restore normal hearing. In cases where the hearing impairment is due to presbycusis or damage to the inner ear, the use of supplemental hearing aids or hearing aids may be required. Extensive and severe presentations of bilateral hearing impairment may require implantation of cochlear devices in both ears.
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