Hearing loss is categorized into different levels based on how loud a sound needs to be for you to hear it. While mild and moderate hearing loss can make it challenging to follow conversations or hear soft sounds, severe hearing loss significantly impacts your ability to hear most sounds without assistance.

People with severe hearing loss may only hear loud noises such as lawnmowers, vacuum cleaners, or passing trains, and even then, these sounds might be faint or unclear.

In this blog, we will explore what severe hearing loss is, its causes, and the available treatment options.

What is Severe Hearing Loss?

Severe hearing loss occurs when a person’s hearing ability falls within the range of 71 to 90 decibels hearing level. This means that sounds below this threshold, including most speech, are difficult or impossible to hear without amplification. For context, normal hearing ranges from -10 to 20 dB, while moderate hearing loss falls between 41 and 55 dB. Individuals with severe hearing loss struggle to understand speech, even in quiet environments, and may only pick up on very loud sounds.

Living with severe hearing loss can be challenging. It affects not only your ability to communicate but also your safety and quality of life. Fortunately, several treatments and devices can help manage this condition and improve your hearing.

Causes of Severe Hearing Loss

There are numerous factors that can contribute to severe hearing loss. Among the most frequent reasons are:

• Repeated Ear Infections: Chronic ear infections can damage the structures of the ear, leading to severe hearing loss over time.

Also Read: Ear Infection and Hearing Loss: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

• Medical Conditions: Disorders such as Meniere’s Disease can cause fluctuations in hearing and may lead to severe hearing loss.

• Ototoxic Medications: Some medications, especially certain antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, can damage the inner ear and cause permanent hearing loss.
Understanding Severe Hearing Loss: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options | Aanvii Hearing

• Head Trauma: Severe head injuries can affect the auditory nerve or inner ear, leading to hearing impairment.

• Exposure to Loud Noises: Prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as those from industrial work, loud music, or machinery, can damage the hair cells in the inner ear and result in severe hearing loss.

• Genetic Factors: Some people are predisposed to hearing loss due to genetic conditions that affect the ear’s structure or function.

Understanding Severe Hearing Loss: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options | Aanvii Hearing

• Age-Related Hearing Loss: Known as presbycusis, this is a gradual decline in hearing ability as people age, often leading to severe hearing loss in older adults.

Treatment Options for Severe Hearing Loss

While severe hearing loss is often permanent, it is not untreatable. The most common and effective treatments include hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Also Read: Six Inspiring Things About You If You Wear Hearing Aids

• Hearing Aids: Hearing aids are the first line of treatment for severe hearing loss. These devices amplify sound, making it easier to hear speech and environmental sounds. There are various styles of hearing aids, including: 

• Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids: Suitable for most types of hearing loss, these devices are powerful and can be adjusted to provide high levels of amplification.

• Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids: These offer a more natural sound experience and are less visible than BTE aids.

• In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids: These are custom-made to fit the shape of your ear and are often used for mild to severe hearing loss.

• Cochlear implants are a potential alternative for those who do not benefit from hearing aids. By stimulating the auditory nerve directly instead of damaging the ear's internal components, these gadgets provide users a perception of sound. Even though they necessitate surgery, cochlear implants can greatly enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from profound hearing loss.
Understanding Severe Hearing Loss: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options | Aanvii Hearing

• Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs): These devices work alongside hearing aids or cochlear implants to help in specific situations, such as watching TV or talking on the phone.

• Communication Strategies: In addition to devices, learning to use communication strategies like lip-reading and sign language can be beneficial for those with severe hearing loss.

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Severe hearing loss can profoundly impact your daily life, but it is manageable with the right treatment and support. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of severe hearing loss, it’s crucial to seek help from a qualified audiologist. At Aanvii Hearing, we provide comprehensive hearing assessments and personalized treatment plans to help you find the best solutions for your hearing needs. Contact us today at 96 5839 5839 or visit our website www.aanviihearing.com to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards better hearing and an improved quality of life.