Hidden hearing loss is a term used to describe hearing difficulties that don’t show up on a standard hearing test. You may hear just fine in a quiet room but struggle to understand speech in noisy environments—like at a restaurant or during a conversation in a crowded space. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone! Read on to learn more about the causes, treatments, and signs of hidden hearing loss.
Listed below are a few potential causes of hidden hearing loss.
Recognizing hidden hearing loss can be tricky since traditional tests might not reveal it. Here are a few common hidden hearing loss symptoms to watch for:
Learn more about hearing loss signs and symptoms
Yes, there is a connection between tinnitus and hidden hearing loss. A study from Massachusetts Eye and Ear found that people with one condition showed signs of the other.
Why might that be? When the brain struggles to receive clear auditory signals due to hidden hearing loss, it may create tinnitus symptoms as a response.
Testing for a hidden hearing loss diagnosis can be tricky since this diagnosis is defined by hearing loss that doesn’t appear on a standard hearing test. There’s no officially titled ‘hidden hearing loss test’ per se, but your audiologist may use the following ways to test your hearing:
Treatment varies greatly depending on the severity of the hearing loss and the unique needs of each individual. Options can include:
It’s also helpful to avoid or minimize exposure to loud environments to mitigate future issues.
The best prevention method is to protect your ears from loud sounds. Here are some simple steps you can take:
To help understand when sounds are “too loud” read about decibels and noise level charts. Take care of your hearing now can help you maintain better hearing for years to come.
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