Hard of hearing or deaf? Here are the differences

Imagine living in a world where sounds and noises are muffled or even completely silent. For millions of people worldwide, this is reality. They live with hearing loss or deafness, twoforms of hearing impairment that can profoundly affect our lives. But what actually distinguishes hearing loss from deafness? Find out more in this article.

Definition: Hearing impairment and deafness

Hearing loss and deafness are two different types of hearing impairment. Those affected experience a loss of hearing, but the degree and type of loss vary.

Hearing loss describes a condition in which a person has difficulty perceiving sounds in one form or another. This can range from a slight inability to hear soft sounds to complete hearing loss. It is also important to note that hearing loss can occur in one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral). Depending on various factors such as the cause, degree of hearing loss, and individual circumstances, hearing loss can be temporary or permanent and can affect people of all ages, from children to older adults.

Deafness, on the other hand, refers to the extreme degree of hearing loss. It is characterized by a total inability to hear sounds. This means that people who are deaf are generally unable to perceive sounds or speech, regardless of how loud they are. Deafness can be congenital, i.e., present from birth, or it can occur during a person's lifetime. It is also worth noting that deaf people often use sign language as their primary form of communication.

Although both conditions are forms of hearing loss, they differ significantly in terms of their severity and effects. They therefore require individual approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and management.

Causes of hearing loss and deafness

There are numerous factors that can contribute to the development of hearing loss or deafness. They range from genetic predispositions to external environmental influences and physical conditions. Here are some of the most common causes explained in detail:

Damage to the hair cells in the inner ear (cochlea):
These sensitive cells play a key role in converting sound waves into electrical signals that the brain can interpret. They can be damaged by various factors, including excessive volume and prolonged exposure to loud noises, as well as natural aging processes. If the number or function of these cells is impaired, this results in hearing loss.

Infections:
Certain infections, especially those affecting the middle ear, can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss. Middle ear infections, for example, can cause swelling and fluid buildup behind the eardrum, which impairs hearing.

Medications:
Some medications, known as ototoxic drugs, can damage your hearing. These include certain antibiotics, loop diuretics, and medications used to treat cancer or severe infections.

Genetic disorders:
Some people are genetically predisposed to hearing loss. These disorders can be passed down from generation to generation and often cause hearing impairment or deafness from birth or in early childhood.

Skull or ear injuries:
Trauma to the skull or ears can impair hearing. It can damage the eardrum, disrupt the ossicles in the middle ear, or affect the inner ear.

Diseases:
Certain diseases such as meningitis or measles can lead to hearing loss. These diseases can damage the inner ear or cause inflammation that impairs hearing.

Problems during birth:
Complications during pregnancy or birth, such as oxygen deprivation, can also lead to permanent hearing loss in newborns.

Symptoms of hearing loss and deafness

Hearing loss and deafness, although representing different degrees of hearing impairment, share a number of similar symptoms. These symptoms can manifest themselves in different situations and in different ways. The most common signs and symptoms of these conditions are examined in more detail below:

Difficulty understanding conversations:

This is often one of the first signs of hearing loss. People experiencing hearing loss often report having difficulty understanding conversations, especially when several people are talking at once or when they are in noisy environments. They may find that they have to strain harder to hear what is being said or that they misunderstand words or sentences.

Constant need to increase the volume of the television or radio:

A person with hearing loss or deafness tends to constantly increase the volume of electronic devices such as televisions or radios to compensate for the missing sounds. It is not uncommon for family members or roommates to notice that the volume is higher than usual.

Frequently asking people to repeat themselves during conversations:

Another common symptom of hearing impairment is the need to frequently ask people to repeat themselves. Understanding conversations can be particularly difficult when speakers cannot see their mouths, as many people with hearing loss also rely on visual cues to understand speech.

Absence of reactions to loud noises or calls:

People with deafness or advanced hearing loss are unable to respond to loud noises or calls. This symptom is particularly noticeable in children and can be one of the first signs of hearing loss.

It is important to remember that these symptoms can vary from person to person and that not everyone will experience all of them. If you suspect hearing loss, it is important to see a doctor or hearing care professional promptly for a comprehensive assessment and treatment.

Diagnosis of hearing loss and deafness

The diagnosis of hearing loss or deafness is a step that is performed by an ENT doctor. This doctor is responsible for the detection and treatment of disorders in the throat, nose, and ear areas, including hearing disorders. Normally, the doctor begins with a thorough medical history of the patient to identify possible risk factors or previous hearing problems.

The doctor will then perform a series of tests to check the patient's hearing. This may include a physical examination of the ear with an otoscope, hearing tests, and other tests to determine the exact type and degree of hearing loss.

An audiogram is often an important part of this diagnostic process. This test measures the patient's hearing ability across different frequency ranges and displays the results in a chart showing the hearing threshold in decibels (dB) for each ear. This allows the doctor to get a clear picture of the hearing loss and understand at which frequencies and volumes the patient has difficulty perceiving sounds.

Treatment of hearing loss and deafness

Depending on the cause and severity of the hearing loss, various treatment approaches can be chosen:

• Hearingaidscan help amplify sounds and noises.
• Cochlear implants can be useful for certain types of hearing loss or deafness.
• Medical or surgical treatment may be helpful for some people.
• Sign language and lip reading can help those affected to communicate better.

Living with hearing loss and deafness

Living with hearing loss or deafness can be challenging. It is important to seek support and learn how to adapt. 

TheOSKAR TV hearing amplifierfrom faller audio is a useful aid for people with hearing loss. This specially developed device improves the clarity and intelligibility of spoken TV sound by reducing background noise and emphasizing speech. It is particularly helpful for people with hearing loss, as it allows them to enjoy TV programs without excessive volume, so that other people in the room are no longer disturbed. With technologies such as the OSKAR TV hearing amplifier, people with hearing loss can improve their quality of life and continue to enjoy their favorite activities.