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Hearing Loss

Partial or total inability to hear, classified as conductive, sensorineural or mixed.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department. Book Appointment →

What is Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss is graded by pure-tone average thresholds as mild (26-40 dB), moderate (41-55 dB), moderately severe (56-70 dB), severe (71-90 dB) and profound (>90 dB). Conductive hearing loss results from outer or middle ear pathology (cerumen impaction, otitis media, otosclerosis, tympanic membrane perforation, ossicular chain dysfunction).

Sensorineural hearing loss originates in the cochlear hair cells, spiral ganglion or auditory pathway. Causes include presbycusis (age-related), noise-induced hearing loss, ototoxic drugs (aminoglycosides, cisplatin, loop diuretics), genetic mutations (GJB2/connexin-26), congenital infections (CMV), Meniere's disease and vestibular schwannoma. Mixed hearing loss combines conductive and sensorineural components.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a medical emergency defined as ≥30 dB loss across three contiguous frequencies developing within 72 hours. Treatment with high-dose oral or intratympanic corticosteroids within 2 weeks improves recovery rates. Pediatric hearing loss requires early identification (newborn screening) and intervention to prevent speech and language delay.

Symptoms

Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noise
Frequent requests for repetition
Increased volume on television/radio
Tinnitus and aural fullness
Imbalance or vertigo with inner ear involvement
Speech and language delay in children
Social withdrawal and depression

Risk Factors

Aging (presbycusis)
Chronic noise exposure (occupational, recreational)
Ototoxic medications and chemotherapy
Family history of hearing loss
Recurrent otitis media and chronic ear disease
Head trauma and barotrauma
Cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Sudden hearing loss (medical emergency)
  • Asymmetric hearing loss
  • Hearing loss with vertigo, tinnitus or facial weakness
  • Speech delay or poor school performance in children
  • Persistent hearing difficulty affecting daily life

Treatment Methods

01
Comprehensive audiologic evaluation (PTA, speech audiometry)
02
Otoscopy and tympanometry
03
MRI for asymmetric or sudden sensorineural hearing loss
04
Cerumen removal for impaction
05
Tympanostomy tubes for chronic effusion
06
High-dose corticosteroids for sudden SNHL
07
Hearing aids for moderate-to-severe loss
08
Cochlear implants for severe-to-profound loss
09
Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) for conductive/mixed loss
10
Aural rehabilitation and assistive listening devices

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.