What Are the Signs of Low-Frequency Hearing Loss?

If you’ve noticed that you’re experiencing diminished hearing, you may be wondering what your next step is and how you can treat the problem while reducing the risk of further damaged hearing. 

A good first step is to determine what type of hearing loss you’re experiencing. Many of those with hearing issues are experiencing low frequency hearing loss, which is where you cannot hear sounds at a lower frequency that occur in the lower ends of the frequencies, usually 2,000z or lower, and these include low pitched sounds. It can sometimes be hard to diagnose low frequency hearing loss, but if you see a reputable hearing instrument specialist or hearing professional, you can get diagnosed and determine the best course of treatment, which often includes hearing aids. 

Low frequency hearing loss can be attributed to several different factors. Sustained damage to the ears over a period of time, disease or illness, infections or even genetics. Most low frequency hearing loss occurs when damage is done over a period of time to the delicate hair cells inside the inner ears that receive sound and convert them to signals to the brain. Without these delicate hair cells, you cannot properly interpret sound. 

Symptoms of low frequency hearing loss can be hard to determine, but it usually begins with noticing that you have trouble isolating sounds in large crowds, or that you need to crane to hear certain sounds, especially those that are very low-pitched, such as someone with a deep voice or a person who is speaking in a low voice or register. You may find that, as hearing loss diminishes, it gets increasingly harder for you to participate in conversations or isolate necessary sounds from the sounds you’re trying to hear. 

Making an appointment

Your first course of action is to make an appointment with a hearing instrument specialist, who will administer a test. A hearing test takes a very short amount of time and is virtually painless. The hearing specialist will play a series of tones in varying decibels and frequencies to determine the type of hearing loss you are experiencing. Once the test is completed, you’ll discuss courses of treatment. Usually these consist of getting fitted for a hearing aid. 

Types of hearing aids

There are various types of hearing aids, including behind-the-ear (BTE), inside-the-ear (ITE) and in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids, all of which can partially restore hearing for those with mild to even severe hearing loss. Your hearing instrument specialist will consult with you about the different types, styles and options for your hearing device. If affordability is a concern, they’ll talk with you about affordable options, help you navigate what your health insurance allows for, and in some cases, payment plans or financial assistance may even be available. 

Hearing aid results

Those with low frequency hearing loss report mixed results from hearing aids, and studies show that the effectiveness of hearing aids for those with low frequency hearing loss may depend on factors such as what caused the hearing loss and how long the person has experienced hearing loss. Some with hearing aids have reported good results with partially restored hearing, while others have stated that the hearing aid didn’t help them very much.

In your case, speaking with a hearing instrument specialist is the best way to find out if a hearing aid can help you. Most would agree that even some restored hearing is better than none, so most agree that it’s worth a try. Many hearing specialists have found success in using IIC/ITC hearing aids as they can be custom fitted to the individual and therefore offer better success in restored hearing than other types of hearing devices. 

Despite the results being mixed, speaking with a hearing care professional to discuss treatment options is definitely worth your time. Those with low frequency hearing loss have seen good results from different courses of treatment and you’ll greatly benefit from having a hearing test and discussing said options with a hearing instrument specialist. Knowing exactly what you’re dealing with will arm you with the information necessary to make a decision about treatment options. 

Learn more about low frequency hearing loss, hearing aids and other treatments and how to schedule a hearing test by calling Hearing Well Matters at (647) 247-2704 today. Their team of experienced professionals can help you with your hearing loss every step of the way.