Hørselstap

Hørselstap, also known as hearing loss, is a reduced ability to hear sounds. It can affect one or both ears and range from mild to profound. Hørselstap can develop gradually or occur suddenly.

There are several types of hørselstap. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common and occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. This type is often caused by aging, exposure to loud noise, or certain medical conditions. Conductive hearing loss happens when sound waves are blocked from reaching the inner ear, often due to issues in the outer or middle ear, such as earwax buildup, infections, or perforated eardrums. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive components.

Symptoms of hørselstap can include difficulty understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments, needing to turn up the volume on televisions or radios, and experiencing ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus).

Diagnosis typically involves a hearing test, or audiometry, conducted by an audiologist. Treatment options depend on the type and severity of the hørselstap. For conductive hearing loss, medical or surgical interventions may be possible. Sensorineural hearing loss is often managed with hearing aids, which amplify sounds, or cochlear implants for more severe cases. Early detection and intervention are important to manage hørselstap and improve quality of life.