Mild Hearing Loss

Mild hearing loss can sometimes go unnoticed at first. However, its impacts on those suffering from this condition can be considerable. Before diagnosis and treatment, mild hearing loss can impact our social lives, well-being and quality of life.

Mild hearing loss is a form of hearing loss and is categorised as a condition in which patients find it difficult to hear certain low-decibel sounds. Often people have difficulty hearing more subtle noises such as whispering, distant conversation, the hum of an appliance and other quieter sounds. Because most of the sounds we must listen to, such as up-close conversation, music and traffic, are louder than this range, many individuals can go undiagnosed for some time.

While it may seem insignificant, it can lead to lifestyle difficulties and, more important, be the warning sign of worsening hearing impairment.

Recognising the symptoms of mild hearing loss in yourself or others can be difficult, given the subtle and progressive nature of the changes you may experience or witness. Look out for these key symptoms of mild hearing loss to help determine whether you or someone you love may be experiencing the condition:

• Difficulty hearing and comprehending speech in particularly noisy environments such as restaurants.
• Asking people to repeat themselves often.
• Using the maximum volume or a high setting on speakers or the television to hear clearly.
• A sense of pressure in your ear.
• Tinnitus, which is experienced as a ringing in the ears.
• Behavioural changes, such as withdrawing from social situations due to difficulty hearing.

It's worth recognising that these symptoms can, under the right circumstances, be experienced by people with normal hearing. Mild hearing loss can also present differently in different individuals, so it is essential to get an assessment by an audiologist to make a final diagnosis. 

Diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve someone's quality of life when living with mild hearing loss. Depending on the causes and severity, as well as a patient's preferences, there are several strategies to improve the condition. Treatment for mild hearing loss may include one or all of the following strategies:

• Environmental adjustments: Non-medical intervention can be as simple as facing someone while talking, reducing background noise and using assistive technology when possible. It's also wise to avoid loud noises, which could cause further damage.
• Hearing aids: Hearing aids for mild hearing loss are an effective and relatively non-invasive therapy for restoring a person's ability to hear the world around them. Hearing aids work by amplifying sounds to an appropriate level. If you are in need of hearing aids for mild hearing loss, reach out to the team at Bay Audiology, and we can help you to find the perfect hearing solution.
• Improved lifestyle: Depending on the cause of the condition, improvements in a person's diet and increased exercise can help slow the onset of further hearing loss.

Mild hearing loss is categorised as a condition in which people cannot hear sounds in the 26-40 decibel range. This condition can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Arising due to a number of different reasons, from congenital factors, age and noise exposure to certain medications, the condition is luckily treatable in most cases. While environmental and lifestyle changes can improve your situation, hearing aids effectively mitigate the effects of mild hearing loss.