Hearing fully requires both volume and comprehension. Hearing loss usually begins with a reduction in volume, and then progresses causing the listener stress in trying to understand normal conversations. Untreated, cognitive decline can lead to social withdrawal as people avoid difficult hearing situations, followed by depression as daily interaction becomes harder.
If your hearing is normal, you can easily simulate what happens by gently plugging your ears with your fingers. This creates approximately 25 decibels of volume loss, and a plugged-up sensation. See how much more difficult hearing conversation becomes? Even a mild loss can be irritating.
While not all hearing loss is preventable, we can help prevent it from dictating your future. Identifying different types of loss allows proper treatment. What are common hearing loss causes? Most hearing losses fall into one of two categories: conductive, or sensorineural. Let’s explore hearing loss causes in simpler terms.