Hearing loss can occur at any age. Surprisingly, up to two percent of newborns are born with a hearing defect. Similarly, children may develop hearing difficulties over time. And older adults see a reduction in their hearing ability as they age.

There are three common types of hearing loss, including:

  • Conductive hearing loss occurs when the mechanical workings of the external and/or middle ear, including eardrums, maybe damaged
  • Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the inner ear is damaged which hinders sound to reach the auditory nerve
  • Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

Because hearing loss can occur in any age, the signs and symptoms may also vary.

Symptoms of Hearing Loss in Adults

Many times, hearing loss in adults occurs due to aging. As the individual ages, his or her nerve system, including the auditory nerve, starts to deteriorate. 

Some of the common signs adults should look out for are:

  • Not being able to follow conversations in public places like restaurants
  • Asking others to repeat themselves frequently
  • Increasing the volume of television or radio
  • Having difficulty hearing doorbells and telephone rings
  • Having difficulty hearing over the phone
  • Finding it difficult to point out the direction a sound is coming from

Symptoms of Hearing Loss in Children

Children also suffer from hearing loss. Depending on the age when hearing loss happens, some children are not able to understand the problem or may not be able to communicate it to their parents. Therefore, parents too should be conscious about the hearing health of their child.

Parents should consult a doctor if they see one or more of the following signs:

  • Slow development of speech and language
  • Inability of the child to reply when called
  • Inability of the child to understand conversations
  • If the child asks others to repeat themselves frequently
  • If the child often talks loudly
  • Inability of the child to detect the direction of the sound
  • If the child repeatedly increases the volume of television or radio
  • If the child is unable to understand instructions

Symptoms of Hearing Loss in Infants

It can be difficult to find out if a newborn is suffering from hearing impairment. Many countries have now made hearing tests part of the mandatory routine checkup they receive immediately after birth.

However, infants with hearing loss may show one or more of these signs:

  • Do not get startled by loud noises
  • Do not recognize familiar voices between 2-4 months of birth
  • Do not speak one word after a year of birth
  • Notice others only when they see them and do not respond to voices
  • Able to hear some sounds, but not others

However, regardless of your age, it is essential to consult an audiologist if you or your loved one suffers from one or more of the symptoms mentioned above. Hearing loss is a difficult condition that can be cured if diagnosed early. Therefore, it is important to seek treatment as soon as you can.