By Kendra Swain
As hearing healthcare evolves, audiologists are becoming more aware of “hidden hearing loss,” a condition that affects people whose hearing test results show typical hearing, but who experience significant difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments. Here we look at the latest research into hidden hearing loss, how it differs from typical hearing loss, and why it is a critical issue for audiologists to address in the coming years.
What Is Hidden Hearing Loss?
Hidden hearing loss refers to auditory damage that affects the synapses between hair cells and the auditory nerve, often caused by exposure to loud sounds. Unlike traditional hearing loss, which impacts the sensitivity of hair cells, this condition primarily affects the brain’s ability to process sounds, making it challenging to diagnose with standard hearing tests.
Why Is Hidden Hearing Loss Hard to Detect?
Standard audiograms (hearing tests) only measure the quietest sound a person can detect, but hidden hearing loss impacts sound clarity, particularly in complex auditory environments. Because of this, individuals with hidden hearing loss may have “normal” hearing on a typical audiogram but still struggle to comprehend speech, especially in noisy environments like crowded restaurants.
What Can Be Done to Diagnose and Treat Hidden Hearing Loss?
Currently, there is no standard clinical test for hidden hearing loss, but researchers are working on developing new diagnostic tools, including speech-in-noise tests and objective measures like otoacoustic emissions. Treatment options are still limited, though hearing aids with speech enhancement features or auditory training may help improve communication for those affected.
Hidden hearing loss represents a significant challenge in the field of audiology, especially as more individuals report difficulty in noisy environments despite having normal audiograms. By raising awareness and advancing diagnostic tools, audiologists can better address this emerging issue and provide more comprehensive care for patients.
A resident of Missouri, Kendra Swain has a master’s degree in biology and is exploring audiology degree programs. To learn more about hidden hearing loss, including a webinar by Hearing Health Foundation board member Sharon Kujawa, Ph.D., please click here.
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