Final answer:
Hearing loss can impair a person's ability to understand speech and appreciate music, and is often undetected until a hearing test is performed. Noise-induced hearing loss typically affects hearing around 4000 Hz, while age-related presbycusis worsens at higher frequencies. Conductive and sensorineural hearing loss are caused by different factors, with the latter being common due to aging, ear trauma, and exposure to loud sounds.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Hearing Loss
Now we are going to look at the effects of hearing loss in individuals. Hearing loss can range from a minor reduction in the ability to hear certain frequencies to complete deafness. The ability to hear higher frequencies, such as those above 8000 Hz, is less crucial for daily activities like understanding conversation or enjoying music. Nonetheless, those with high-frequency hearing loss are often unaware of their condition until they undergo a hearing test.
Hearing tests, typically conducted within the frequency range of 250 to 8000 Hz, are displayed on an audiogram. Normal hearing is represented by a hearing threshold of 0 dB across all frequencies. Noise-induced hearing loss often shows a decline in hearing around the 4000 Hz frequency, while age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, worsens at higher frequencies and impacts speech recognition and music appreciation. To prevent noise-induced hearing loss, which results from damage to the cochlear hair cells, it is advisable to avoid loud sounds or use ear protection.
Conductive hearing loss results from issues delivering sound to the cochlea, caused by factors such as blockage in the ear canal or a perforated tympanic membrane. On the other hand, sensorineural hearing loss is often due to aging, trauma, infections, medications, and environmental factors like noise exposure. In more severe cases, a significant amplification might be necessary for an individual to hear, possibly leading to further hearing damage if the intensity exceeds 90 dB.