A Complete Guide to Hearing Loss

Hearing connects us to people, places, and experiences. When hearing begins to decline, it can affect communication, confidence, and quality of life. Understanding what hearing loss is and how it develops is an important first step in protecting and improving your hearing health.

Simply put, hearing loss refers to a reduced ability to hear sounds in one or both ears. It can occur suddenly or progress gradually and may range from mild difficulty understanding speech to a complete inability to hear. While it can affect anyone, it becomes more common with age, impacting roughly one in three adults over 65.

Early detection matters because untreated hearing problems are linked to increased fatigue, isolation, and even cognitive decline. Fortunately, professional hearing care and modern hearing technology make it possible to stay connected and maintain your quality of life. Learn more about the available hearing services at Bravo Hearing Centre.

Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Loss

Recognizing the early signs of hearing impairment can help you take action sooner. Hearing changes often start subtly, and many people may not notice them right away. You may be experiencing hearing loss if you:

• Frequently ask people to repeat themselves
• Have difficulty hearing in noisy environments or on the phone
• Find that others seem to “mumble”
• Turn up the TV or radio to levels that bother others
• Notice muffled sounds or ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
• Struggle to follow conversations in restaurants or group settings
• Miss every day sounds like doorbells, phone alerts, or dripping faucets
• Favour one ear when listening
• Avoid social gatherings because conversations are tiring or confusing

These hearing deficiency symptoms often appear gradually, which is why routine hearing tests are essential. If any of these sound familiar, consider booking an appointment to have your hearing checked.

Hearing Loss Severity

Hearing loss is measured in decibels (dB), which indicates how loud a sound must be for you to hear it. The higher the number, the more significant the hearing loss. The chart below outlines typical hearing loss severity levels, along with common examples of sounds at each range.

Any sound above 70 dB can cause long-term damage after prolonged exposure, while a single exposure to 140 dB or more can cause immediate harm. Signs that your environment is too loud include:

• Needing to shout to be heard
• Struggling to understand someone speaking a few feet away
• Muffled hearing after leaving a noisy area
• Pain or ringing in your ears after loud exposure

If these occur, protect your hearing right away.

Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is not the same for everyone. Understanding the types of hearing loss can help determine the right approach to improve your hearing.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve that sends sound signals to the brain. This is the most common type of hearing loss and is often permanent.

Common causes include:

• Aging (presbycusis)
• Long-term noise exposure
• Genetic factors
• Ototoxic medications
• Certain infections

While this type cannot usually be corrected medically, hearing aids or cochlear implants can significantly improve clarity and communication.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot travel efficiently through the outer or middle ear. It may be temporary or treatable depending on the cause.

Common causes include:

• Earwax blockage
• Ear infections or fluid buildup
• Perforated eardrum
• Structural abnormalities or trauma
• Otosclerosis (abnormal bone growth in the middle ear)

Treatment options may involve removing obstructions, addressing infections, or performing surgery. Amplification through hearing aids can also help.

Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss involves both sensorineural and conductive components. For example, someone may have age-related inner ear damage and an earwax blockage at the same time. Treatment focuses first on resolving the conductive component, then managing the sensorineural portion through hearing aids or implants.

To learn more about each type and its unique characteristics, visit the types of hearing loss.

The Auditory System

To understand hearing loss, it helps to know how the ear works. The auditory system is made up of three main parts:

• Outer Ear: Collects sound waves and directs them through the ear canal to the eardrum.
• Middle Ear: Contains the ossicles (tiny bones) that amplify sound vibrations.
• Inner Ear: Houses the cochlea, which converts vibrations into electrical signals that the auditory nerve sends to the brain.

When any part of this system is damaged, blocked, or not functioning properly, hearing problems can occur. Identifying the affected area helps your hearing specialist recommend the best solution.

What Causes Hearing Loss

There are many causes of hearing loss, and often several factors combine over time. Understanding what contributes to hearing damage can help you make informed choices about prevention and care.

Common causes include:

• Aging: Natural wear and tear on the inner ear’s sensory cells.
• Noise exposure: Repeated or extended exposure to loud sounds from work, music, or machinery.
• Genetic factors: Hereditary conditions that affect inner ear development or function.
• Earwax buildup: Obstruction that prevents sound from reaching the eardrum.
• Ear infections: Fluid or inflammation in the middle ear that interferes with sound transmission.
• Head injuries: Trauma that damages the ear or auditory nerve.
• Ototoxic medications: Certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, or high doses of aspirin.
• Tumours: Growths such as acoustic neuromas that affect the hearing nerve.
• Illnesses and diseases: Conditions like Meniere’s disease or autoimmune inner ear disorders.

Recognizing the underlying causes of hearing loss allows specialists to identify the appropriate solution and prevent further hearing damage.

Hearing Loss Treatment

While hearing loss cannot always be reversed, modern solutions make it possible to improve hearing ability, communication, and overall well-being. The right hearing loss treatment depends on the cause and type of hearing loss.

Hearing Aids and Devices

For most people with sensorineural hearing loss, hearing aids are the most effective and accessible solution. Today’s devices are discreet, customizable, and designed to enhance sound clarity in all listening environments. Styles include:

• In-the-Ear (ITE)
• In-the-Canal (ITC)
• Completely-in-Canal (CIC)
• Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)
• Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
• Invisible-in-Canal (IIC)

The experienced hearing aid specialists at Bravo Hearing Centre can help determine the right device based on your needs, hearing profile, and preferences.

Medical and Surgical Options

When hearing loss stems from conductive causes, medical or surgical treatment may restore hearing. These can include:

• Removal of earwax or foreign objects
• Antibiotics for infections
• Surgical repair of a perforated eardrum or ossicles
• Placement of tubes to drain fluid or equalize pressure

In severe cases where sound cannot reach the inner ear effectively, cochlear implants may be recommended.

Coping and Rehabilitation

Living with hearing loss can be emotionally and socially challenging, but the right support makes a significant difference. Counselling, auditory rehabilitation, and communication strategies help individuals and their families adapt successfully.

At Bravo Hearing Centre, personalized hearing care and ongoing support are always part of the process, helping you regain confidence and connection in everyday life.

Tests for Hearing Loss

If you suspect hearing loss, professional testing is the most reliable way to identify the cause and degree. A comprehensive hearing loss assessment typically includes:

• Otoscopy: A visual inspection of the ear canal and eardrum.
• Tympanometry: Measures middle ear function and eardrum movement.
• Pure Tone Audiometry: Determines the softest sounds you can hear at various pitches.
• Speech Testing: Assesses how well you recognize and understand words at different volumes.
• Tuning Fork Tests: Help distinguish between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

Early testing allows your hearing care provider to create a plan tailored to your hearing needs. You can book a hearing test today to better understand your hearing health.

How to Prevent Hearing Loss

Although not all forms of hearing loss can be avoided, many cases related to lifestyle or environment are preventable. Practising healthy listening habits is essential for lifelong hearing protection.

Tips to help prevent hearing loss:

• Use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones in loud environments
• Keep personal listening devices at safe volume levels (below 60% of maximum)
• Take regular breaks from noisy settings to rest your ears
• Avoid inserting objects, including cotton swabs, into your ears
• Treat infections or ear pain promptly
• Schedule regular hearing tests to detect early changes

In addition, hearing aids can help protect your hearing by reducing strain and preventing further deterioration when fitted properly.

FAQ

Get Hearing Loss Treatment in Toronto with Bravo Hearing

If you are noticing signs of hearing loss, don’t wait to take action. The caring team at Bravo Hearing Centre in Toronto provides professional hearing assessments, personalized hearing aid fittings, and ongoing support to help you hear and live better.

Serving the communities of Etobicoke, Mississauga, and the Greater Toronto Area, Bravo Hearing Centre offers comprehensive hearing services tailored to your needs. Whether you are looking for the latest hearing aid technology or expert advice, we are here to help you every step of the way.

Regain the sounds of life. Book your hearing test today or call 416-207-9711 to speak with our friendly staff and start your journey to better hearing.