Hearing loss is a health condition that directly affects the quality of life of millions of people worldwide and often progresses insidiously. It is not limited to older adults; it can also occur in newborns and across all pediatric age groups. Due to its impact on social interaction, as well as cognitive and psychological well-being, early detection and appropriate intervention are of vital importance in the management of hearing loss. The signs and symptoms of hearing loss typically emerge gradually and become more noticeable over time. Early diagnosis plays a critical role in mitigating the effects of hearing loss and preserving quality of life. Individuals who notice these symptoms should seek timely assistance and benefit from the most effective treatment options available.

You may recognize the signs of hearing loss in an individual before they become aware of them themselves. Some common symptoms of hearing loss include:

• Difficulty talking on the phone Inability to hear the other person clearly or frequent need to ask them to repeat themselves.
• Inability to localize sounds Difficulty determining the direction from which sounds like a car horn or someone speaking are coming.
• Trouble hearing high-frequency sounds Inability to distinguish high-pitched voices, such as those of women or children.
• Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments Trouble following conversations in settings like crowded restaurants, meetings, or busy streets.
• Constantly increasing the volume of the TV or music Family members often become disturbed by the unusually high volume levels.
• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves Phrases like “Sorry, can you say that again?” may become habitual. Hearing loss is not merely a “sensory impairment”; it is often part of a complex clinical picture accompanied by additional symptoms. Some commonly associated symptoms include:
• A sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear
• Ear pain (especially in cases related to infections)
• Tinnitus (perception of abnormal sounds such as ringing, buzzing, or hissing)
• Hyperacusis (increased sensitivity to certain sounds)
• Autophony (hearing one's own voice as unusually loud or echoing)
• Vertigo and balance disturbances
• Facial muscle weakness or signs of paralysis (may occur in conditions such as acoustic neuroma) "In infants and children, the signs of hearing loss may differ. Delayed speech development, inattentiveness, reluctance to engage socially, and learning difficulties can be indicative."

How Common Is Hearing Loss?

Globally, approximately 1.5 billion people experience some degree of hearing loss, and 430 million of them live withdisabling hearing lossthat requires rehabilitation. By 2050, these numbers are projected to rise to 2.5 billion individuals with hearing loss, including 700 million with disabling hearing loss in need of intervention.

Among every 1,000 newborns, 2–3 are born with hearing loss or develop it at an early age. Approximately 15% of school-aged children have mild to moderate hearing loss.

For detailed information about your hearing health and a comprehensive assessment, it is highly recommended to consult an audiologist. 📞 If you are in Cyprus and looking for professional hearing test services, contact İskele Hearing Center. Reach out to us for more information or to schedule an appointment.