Bilateral hearing loss refers to hearing loss in both ears. The hearing loss is typically the same degree in both ears, but not always. If you have one ear that is worse than the other, it is called an asymmetric bilateral hearing loss. Bilateral hearing loss can occur prior to or anytime after birth.
What causes bilateral hearing loss?
Bilateral hearing loss can be conductive, mixed, or sensorineural. If the same condition is affecting both ears, the result will be a bilateral hearing loss.
The most common causes of bilateral hearing loss include, heredity, age, and noise exposure.
How is it treated?
Treatment for bilateral hearing loss will depend on what the cause of the hearing loss is. If it is not a medically or surgically treatable hearing loss, amplification is recommended for both ears.
