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Bilateral hearing loss

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What is bilateral hearing loss?

Hearing loss that affects both ears is referred to as bilateral hearing loss. While it is common for bilateral hearing loss to occur gradually over time, in some (rare) cases, it can occur suddenly.

Since the experience of bilateral hearing loss can vary from one person to another, it is important to have your hearing loss evaluated by a hearing care expert. Additionally, there are other hearing health conditions that might have overlapping symptoms with bilateral hearing loss, so seeking advice from an expert will ensure that you are treated for your specific hearing loss needs.

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What causes bilateral hearing loss?

Learn about the various factors that can cause hearing loss:

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Congenital factors
Bilateral hearing loss may be present from birth. The propensity to develop hearing loss can be inherited from one or both parents.
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Medications
Some medications, including prescription medicines, can cause damage to the ears and are known as ototoxic drugs.
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Exposure to loud noises
Being exposed to loud sounds, such as when attending a concert or working at a building site, can cause temporary or long-term hearing damage.
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Physical damage
Hearing loss can result from physical damage to the hearing organs, including a ruptured eardrum or earwax build-up.
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Ear infections
Many people, especially children, are susceptible to ear infections, which can cause blockages or structural damage to the ears and hearing organs.
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Aging
Age-related hearing loss, which is also called Presbycusis, is the most common form of sensorineural hearing loss.
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Symptoms of bilateral hearing loss

Since hearing loss often occurs gradually over time, it can be difficult to identify the symptoms. Whether the signs of hearing loss are obvious or not, it is worth seeking professional advice even if you only notice the slightest of signs. Being proactive will help you to receive a proper diagnosis as early as possible so that you can seek treatment (if necessary). Any recognizable symptoms can be a sign of mild, moderate, severe, or profound hearing loss.

Common symptoms of hearing loss include:

  • Difficulty understanding others, especially in noisy environments
  • Turning up the TV volume louder than usual
  • Asking others to repeat themselves
  • Relying on lip reading to understand what others are saying

Additionally, unilateral hearing loss is typically easier to spot since sounds will be louder in one ear than the other. Bilateral hearing loss can be identified when sound is generally more difficult to hear in both ears.

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Treatment for bilateral hearing loss

Modern hearing aids are able to provide those with bilateral hearing loss with a natural hearing experience. Today's hearing aids not only amplify sound, but they send detailed sound signals to the brain, so that you can hear better with less effort.

In fact, the latest hearing aids can significantly improve speech understanding and increase the amount of sound delivered to the brain, providing a clearer sound scene. This enables those with bilateral hearing loss to hear more details in surrounding sounds.

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Types of bilateral hearing loss

Bilateral hearing loss can be classified as either sensorineural or conductive in nature.

Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss implies that the tiny hair cells in the inner ear or the auditory nerve (responsible for transmitting sound to the brain) are damaged. It is most often caused by the natural aging process or exposure to loud sounds.

Sensorineural hearing loss

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Bilateral conductive hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs in the outer or middle part of the ear, where sound is converted to vibrations and sent to the inner ear. This type of hearing loss refers to issues with transferring sound waves (due to a blockage or other impediment.) Excessive ear wax, a ruptured ear drum, or even ear infections can result in conductive hearing loss.

Conductive hearing loss

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Your hearing is our expertise


Our comprehensive FREE Guide to Hearing Health provides information on the various types of hearing loss, their causes, possible management options, what to expect from a hearing assessment, and much more including:

  • Audika’s commitment to the highest level of customer service
  • Helping a loved one with hearing loss
  • Types of hearing aids
  • Funding options for people needing financial support
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Maddison Franse - Audiologist and Medical and Clinical Projects Specialist

BSc, MClinAud, MAudA(CCP)

What drew Maddison to the hearing care industry was the potential to help others connect with those around them, enriching their quality of life. Over her career at Audika she has gained experience in adult rehabilitation, paediatric testing and tinnitus management, and been involved the training and development of graduate and student audiologists. Excited to share her passion for hearing health and excellent clinical care she moved into the role of Medical & Clinical Projects Specialist.

Maddison's current role allows her to raise hearing health awareness amongst other health professionals and support Audika’s clinical network in providing the best possible service and care to their clients.

Relevant links

Age related hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss
Conductive hearing loss
Hearing loss in one ear
High-frequency hearing loss
Low-frequency hearing loss
Bilateral hearing loss
Ringing in ears
Hearing loss and dementia
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