What is hearing loss?
Hearing loss can manifest itself in varying degrees of severity and can have different causes. Hearing loss occurs from birth in some people and during life in others. Some people suffer from hearing loss that develops gradually, while for others it occurs suddenly and unexpectedly….

Symptoms
Symptoms of hearing loss vary from person to person. Some people may experience only mild hearing loss, while others may experience severe hearing loss. Common symptoms include the inability to follow conversations, the feeling that others are speaking slurredly, the need to turn up the volume on televisions or radios, and the inability to hear certain sounds such as ringing tones or birdsong.

Causes
Hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, noise exposure, certain medications, infections and natural aging. Other factors such as injuries to the eardrum or ear canals, as well as tumors or middle ear infections, can also cause hearing loss.

Diagnosis
Hearing loss can be diagnosed by hearing tests, audiograms and if necessary. imaging procedures, e.g. computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An:ENT physician can perform these tests and evaluate the results.

Treatment options
There are several treatment options for hearing loss, depending on the cause and severity. One of the most common options is the use of hearing aids, which help improve hearing and make life easier for sufferers. Sometimes surgery may be necessary. In any case, it is important to seek medical advice to find the best individual treatment options.

Distribution
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hearing loss affects approximately 466 million people worldwide. This means that about one in 14 people in the world has a hearing loss. In Germany, there are about 16 million people who suffer from hearing loss. Hearing loss can occur at any age, but becomes more common with age.