National Speech-Language-Hearing Month is here again! This month, we would like to take a little time to raise awareness of hearing loss and its treatment options. Let’s take a close look at a few common questions about hearing loss and the devices we use to manage it.
How Common is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss is the third most common chronic condition in the United States; it’s above both diabetes and cancer.[1] The NIH estimates that one in eight people in the United States aged 12 and over live with the condition.[2]
Are There Different Types of Hearing Loss?
There are three main types of hearing loss:
- Sensorineural: originating in the inner ear
- Conductive: originating in the middle ear
- Mixed: originated in the inner and middle ear
Sensorineural hearing loss, caused by loud noise exposure, genetics, illness or aging, is typically permanent, and conductive hearing loss, caused by physical blockages in the ear, is often temporary. The inner ear component of mixed hearing loss is likely permanent, but audiologists may be able to resolve the conductive component.
How Do You Measure the Degree of Hearing Loss?
We base the degree of hearing loss on how loud a sound needs to be for you to detect it. Decibels (dB) or A-weighted decibels (dBA) indicate the volume of the noise. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) separates the degrees into the following categories:
- Normal: –10 to 15 dB
- Slight: 16 to 25 dB
- Mild: 26 to 40 dB
- Moderate: 41 to 55 dB
- Moderately severe: 56 to 70 dB
- Severe: 71 to 90 dB
- Profound: 91+ dB
The degree and cause of your hearing loss will dictate the treatment.
What Are My Hearing Loss Treatment Options?
Conductive hearing loss treatment centers around removing the physical blockage in the middle ear. We may recommend manual removal of foreign objects, surgery, steroids to treat inflammation or antibiotics to resolve infections.
We can’t cure sensorineural hearing loss, but there are a couple of ways to manage its effects:
- Hearing aids. The most common type of hearing loss treatment, hearing aids collect sound, raise its volume and deliver it to your ear canal. You can easily remove and insert your devices; they’re sleek and fit seamlessly into your life.
- Cochlear implants. Cochlear implants are a surgical treatment for profound sensorineural hearing loss. We typically recommend implants if you don’t receive enough benefit from hearing aids.
There’s no better time to seek help than National Speech-Language-Hearing Month! If you have any other questions about hearing loss or its treatment options, call our experts at Hampton Roads ENT ~ Allergy.
[1] Carroll YI, Eichwald J, Scinicariello F, et al. Vital Signs: Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Among Adults — United States 2011–2012. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2017;66:139–144. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6605e3
[2] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2024). Quick statistics about hearing, balance, & dizziness. Retrieved May 6, 2026, from https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing