Understanding Hearing Loss
Hearing loss—or hearing impairment—is a reduction in your ability to hear. It can happen gradually or relatively quickly. At Beltone, we want to help you understand hearing loss and find the right solution.
Why Does Meningitis Cause Hearing Loss?
Meningitis may lead to an infection that causes a loss of sensitive hair cells in the inner ear, resulting in at least mild sensorineural hearing loss. Further physical damage to the structures of the inner ear often results in severe or even profound levels of hearing loss.
Unfortunately, just as meningitis itself can lead to hearing loss, the potent antibiotics used to treat it can cause hearing loss, as well. Medications or substances that are known to impair hearing are known as ototoxic. Click the link below to learn more about ototoxicity and your hearing.
Does Meningitis Cause Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a common medical condition associated with hearing loss that is often experienced as ringing, hissing, buzzing or roaring in the ears. Meningitis may leave someone with the symptoms of tinnitus even after their recovery, which can be debilitating if not properly treated with hearing aids recommended by a hearing care professional.
How Do I Know If Meningitis Gave Me Hearing Loss?
The first step on your hearing health journey is to recognize the signs of hearing loss, such as difficulty understanding words or constantly needing to turn up the volume. Watch for these symptoms, especially if you were diagnosed and treated for meningitis.
Take the Next Step
Don't wait any longer to begin your journey to better hearing. Beltone is ready to help you hear what matters the most to you.
Schedule a free hearing screening with a Beltone hearing care professional to explore your options.
Types of Hearing Loss
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss (sometimes called nerve-related hearing loss) is the most common type of hearing loss among adults.
Conductive Hearing Loss
A conductive hearing loss is often temporary and can sometimes be corrected with wax removal, medication or surgery.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is precisely what it sounds like: a mix of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Causes of Hearing Loss
Earbuds & Hearing Loss
Headphones and earbuds can induce hearing loss by isolating loud noises and placing them directly inside your sensitive ear canals.
Age-Related Hearing Loss
Along with exposure to loud noises, the natural aging process is the most common cause of sensorineural hearing loss.
