Hidden hearing loss, as the name suggests, is often difficult to identify because of its nature. Because hidden hearing loss is generally undetectable by standard testing, it can leave affected individuals baffled about the problem. This can lead to the issue going untreated and continuing to deteriorate over time.
So, what exactly is hidden hearing loss?
You may be thinking, how is it possible that standard hearing tests cannot pick up this problem causing hearing loss? Isn’t that what these tests are designed for? There are a couple of reasons why detecting hidden hearing loss can be so complicated.
Speech Comprehension in Noisy Places
One problem is that standard tests focus on hearing across all frequency ranges under normal conditions. Issues with hidden hearing loss often become evident when attempting to decipher speech in noisy environments. This is one reason the condition often goes unnoticed during standard testing.
Physical Damage
Standard hearing tests focus on problems within the ear, including structural damage and functionality. Sensorineural hearing loss generally occurs when the tiny hair cells in the inners, the stereocilia, become damaged. These hair cells help sound waves entering the ear be converted into a recognizable message in the brain.
In hidden hearing loss, the stereocilia appear healthy, whereas the underlying auditory nerve fibres are damaged. This impacts the pathway between the ear and the brain, making some sounds received in loud areas incomplete and incomprehensible.
Signs & Symptoms of Hidden Hearing Loss
It is not really known just how many people are currently suffering from hidden hearing loss. There is no official guideline or set of requirements for diagnosing hidden hearing loss.
Typical signs that may indicate the presence of hidden hearing loss include:
- Frequently hearing people incorrectly.
- Struggling in noisy environments.
- Difficulty deciphering speech.
- Trouble staying focused and becoming easily distracted.
- Avoiding loud places with a high preference for quiet spaces.
- Even after passing a professional hearing test, there is still a strong feeling that there is existing hearing loss.
Causes of Hidden Hearing Loss
It is often a combination of factors that lead to the onset of hidden hearing loss. In many cases, prolonged exposure to noise is a contributing factor. Even being repeatedly exposed to low-level noise can be a problem. This perpetual contact with loud sounds builds up over time, which usually makes age another common factor. It is thought that age merely reveals the issue as physical and mental decline continue.
Autoimmune disorders and viral infections can also contribute to hidden hearing loss. These conditions can affect myelin production in the body. Myelin provides insulation for nerves. When myelin is attacked, it may cause nerve impulses to be interrupted or blocked.
Treatment for Hidden Hearing Loss
The first step toward effective treatment is accurate diagnosis of the issue. If standard tests didn’t detect any issues and you still feel there is a problem, other efforts can be made to identify the condition.
Diagnosis
One option is to take a pure tone audiometry test. This measures hearing sensitivity across the peripheral and central auditory systems to determine the softest audible sound thresholds for the individual. If this test doesn’t reveal anything, it can be followed up with a speech-in-noise test administered by a hearing professional.
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing can also be used. Electrodes are placed on the head while sounds are played through a set of headphones. The electrodes measure the auditory nerve’s response to the sounds presented.
Treatment
Options for treating hidden hearing loss are similar to those for regular hearing loss. Some of the most effective treatments include:
- Hearing aids – the most common and effective treatment
- Helps re-establish the ear-brain connection for problematic frequencies
- Can help affected individuals function better in noisy environments
- Behaviour modification – reducing exposure to loud noise is recommended
- Choosing environments that are beneficial to your situation
- Surgery – if structural damage is considerable, surgery may be required
Having issues with hearing loss? Contact us today to book a hearing test appointment.
