Hearing loss in both ears

What is bilateral hearing loss?

Bilateral hearing loss is a hearing impairment that can affect both ears and ranges from moderate to severe. It can be conductive, sensorineural or both. It can be caused by different factors and has various solutions.

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What causes bilateral hearing loss?

Bilateral hearing loss may arise from a variety of factors, including congenital conditions present at birth, age related hearing loss (also known as presbycusis), prolonged exposure to loud noises, ear infections, certain medications and medical conditions (such as otosclerosis or Meniere's disease).

Types of bilateral hearing loss

There are two main types of bilateral hearing loss: sensorineural and conductive.

Conductive bilateral hearing loss is caused by issues in the outer or middle ear, like foreign objects, ear infections, or earwax blockage.

On the other hand, sensorineural bilateral hearing loss originates from problems in the inner ear or auditory nerve, often due to aging, genetics, exposure to loud noises, or specific medical conditions.

Conductive hearing loss

Bilateral or unilateral conductive hearing loss, usually caused by otitis, earwax plugs or the presence of foreign bodies in the ear canal, affects the external ear or the conductive structures of the middle ear. In these cases, the first step is to go to an ENT specialist, who will decide on the most suitable treatment. However, if you wish to get a free hearing consultation with a qualified specialist, visit the Amplifon centre nearest to you to identify the most suitable acoustic solution for your hearing needs.

Sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is a condition that can impact both adults and children. Unlike sudden deafness, known as presbycusis, this type of hearing loss usually progresses gradually over time when the cochlea or auditory nerve is affected. While conductive hearing loss can often be managed with hearing aids, sensorineural hearing loss is likely to require acoustic solutions. In cases where traditional devices are not sufficient, a cochlear implant that converts acoustic signals into electrical signals by stimulating the auditory nerve is recommended.

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Mixed hearing loss

Mixed hearing loss, whether in one ear or both, involves suffering from both conductive and sensorineural loss simultaneously. It can occur when mechanical issues, like earwax blockages, combine with sensorineural problems, like presbycusis. Or, it can occur if a condition gets worse and affects sound transmission to the inner ear, which then affects the cochlea. In such cases, a specialist will carefully assess the hearing condition to determine the best solution.

Hearing aids for bilateral hearing loss

Individuals with bilateral hearing loss can now benefit from a more natural hearing experience, thanks to the technological advancements in modern hearing aids. In most cases, wearing two hearing aids has become the standard recommendation.