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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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Book a FREE* hearing check for bilateral hearing loss

Book a FREE* hearing check to find out if you have bilateral or any other type of hearing loss. We can suggest treatment options and help you understand your condition better.
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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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Katherine Bayly - Head of Audiology Clinical Governance and Quality

Audiologist MNZAS CCC, MAud(Hons) BSc

Katherine has worked in the audiology sector for over 20 years.   She began her audiology career in the public health system here in New Zealand, and has since gained a wide range of audiological skills,  having worked in paediatrics, diagnostics, cochlear implants, tinnitus counselling and within the hearing device industry.

With her broad experience Katherine has now taken on the role of Head of Audiology for Audika New Zealand. Katherine’s focus is on ensuring every client that Audika interacts with feels they have been provided with the best possible care; that they have been listened to and been treated with the highest level of care by all clinical team members. “At Audika we specialise in hearing care, so our aim is to ensure we provide truly personalised, comprehensive care from the moment our clients first walk in the door, right through to the regular check ups and reviews we continue to provide throughout their hearing journey”. 

Last reviewed 2023-07-01

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
Noise-induced hearing loss
Bilateral hearing loss
Ringing in ears
Hearing loss and dementia
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