Understanding Hearing Loss and Ear Hygiene: Expert Insights from Dr. Aditi Sinha

Imagine waking up one day and the world sounds quieter—voices are muffled, music lacks its vibrancy, and everyday sounds seem distant. Hearing loss affects millions worldwide and can quietly creep into your life at any age, whether from loud noises, age-related degeneration, or underlying health issues. To effectively tackle this issue, understanding its various forms and degrees is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.

In a recent conversation with The Aartery Chronicles, Dr. Aditi Sinha, a distinguished ENT specialist, offered key insights into hearing loss and its many facets. She elaborated on the different types of hearing loss, the factors contributing to its onset, and the diagnostic methods used to evaluate and classify the condition effectively.

Dr. Aditi Sinha has completed her MBBS from TN Medical College and BYL Nair Hospital in Mumbai, and she pursued her post-graduation in Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) at Jaslok Hospital. Throughout her career, she has worked at several renowned hospitals in Mumbai, such as Jaslok Hospital, Hinduja Hospital in Mahim, and K B Bhabha Municipal Hospital. Currently, she runs a thriving private practice while maintaining affiliations with several hospitals in central Mumbai.

What is Hearing loss?

Dr. Aditi Sinha explains that hearing loss refers to a reduction in an individual’s ability to hear and can result from a variety of causes. This condition is broadly categorized based on different factors, such as severity, age of onset, and type of hearing impairment.

Types of Hearing Loss

Conductive Hearing Loss: This type occurs when sound is unable to pass through the outer or middle ear, often due to blockages or infections.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss: This involves damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, leading to a reduction in sound clarity and volume.
Mixed Hearing Loss: This is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, indicating that both types are present.

Degrees of Hearing Loss

To further define the severity of hearing loss, Dr. Sinha explains the results of a pure tone audiometry test, which is conducted in an audiology room using an audiometer. Hearing loss can be also be classified as mild, moderate, severe, or profound depending upon the degree of severity. Audiometry helps categorise hearing loss quantitatively in terms of decibels (dB). The World Health Organization (WHO) offers a standard framework for this classification. The degrees of hearing loss include:

Normal hearing: 0-25 dB (no significant loss)
Mild hearing loss: 26-40 dB
Moderate hearing loss: 41-55 dB
Moderately severe: 56-70 dB
Severe hearing loss: 71-90 dB
Profound hearing loss: Above 90 dB (which can be considered almost total loss).

These results are plotted on a chart that measures frequencies ranging from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, with a focus on the 20 Hz to 2 kHz range, as higher frequencies are less significant for everyday communication.

Age-Related Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be further categorized by age. While it can affect individuals of any age, age-related hearing loss is a common concern among people over the age of 60. This form of hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, typically develops gradually and primarily affects the ability to hear high-frequency sounds.

In contrast, younger individuals may experience hearing loss due to various other factors such as noise exposure, infections, or congenital conditions.

Hearing Loss in Younger Population

Dr. Aditi Sinha emphasizes a growing concern regarding hearing loss in young adults, particularly those in their 20s. Surprisingly, nearly 20% of individuals in this age group experience some degree of hearing impairment, with a baseline starting from 26 decibels—a point where normal hearing is no longer achieved. This statistic reveals a stark contrast to the belief held by many that they possess “excellent hearing.” In fact, around 24-25% of people aged 25 to 70 claim to have no hearing issues until they undergo formal testing, indicating that hearing loss often occurs silently and without immediate awareness.

Dr. Sinha points out that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics have reported that 12% of adults aged 18 to 39 struggle to hear in noisy environments, while 6% in the same age range report experiencing tinnitus, or ringing in the ears. Historically, hearing loss was commonly associated with older age, with one in three individuals over the age of 65 being affected. However, the increasing use of personal audio devices has shifted this narrative significantly.

The Role of Modern Devices

The surge in hearing loss among young people can largely be attributed to exposure to loud music, both recreationally and in the workplace. Social events, such as parties, concerts, and even everyday listening at home, often involve high volume levels that can contribute to auditory damage. As Dr. Sinha notes, the shift from traditional headphones to smaller, more compact earphones—like air pods—places the sound source closer to the eardrum, increasing the risk of hearing loss.

Post-COVID, the trend has only intensified. Many young professionals find themselves working long hours on phone calls, often in small living spaces where using speakers is not feasible. With a rise in remote work, individuals are spending extended periods with earphones in, which raises concerns about long-term auditory health.

Key Practices for Ear Hygiene

Dr. Aditi Sinha highlights a concerning trend related to ear infections, particularly due to excessive earphone use and the practice of sharing these devices. In humid cities like Mumbai, the risk of developing infections increases significantly, making it essential to promote awareness regarding ear hygiene.

Dr. Sinha emphasizes several vital practices to mitigate the risks associated with earphone use:

Avoid Sharing Personal Items: The first and most crucial step is to refrain from sharing earphones and other personal audio devices. While sharing might seem harmless, it can lead to the transfer of bacteria and other pathogens.
Regular Cleaning: Earphones and earbuds should be cleaned regularly. Although they are electronic devices and cannot be washed with soap and water, using alcohol-based wipes to disinfect the surfaces is a practical alternative. Keeping these devices clean helps prevent the buildup of germs.
Dehumidification: Due to the humid environment, it’s important to minimize moisture. Some earphone models come with dehumidifier boxes, which can help remove moisture and keep the devices dry. This is particularly important since trapped sweat can create a breeding ground for fungi.

The Consequences of Poor Ear Hygiene

Excessive use of earphones and headphones can lead to various ear infections, including otitis externa, often caused by fungal growth. Dr. Aditi Sinha explains that when people complain of “ear boils,” it’s often a result of using devices like earphones or air pods that are not custom-fitted to their ears. This mass-produced equipment can create friction in the ear canal, trapping sweat and wax in a humid environment, which fosters fungal growth.

Historically, ear fungus was primarily observed in swimmers and diabetic individuals. However, today, young people frequently experience itchy ears and discharge, which may indicate ear fungus or conditions like acute suppurative otitis media (ASOM) and chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM).

Keeping the ear canal closed for extended periods—often 12 to 18 hours—by using these devices contributes to the issue. Additionally, the common practice of sharing earphones can transfer bacteria, further increasing the risk of infection. The foam or rubber tips of these devices accumulate germs and dust over time, which can lead to complications.

Dr. Sinha also highlights the misuse of Q-tips, as individuals often clean their ears without understanding the potential harm. This practice can remove natural ear wax while pushing debris deeper into the canal, leading to blockages. The leftover cotton fibers can create an environment for fungus to thrive, further complicating ear hygiene.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rising incidence of hearing loss and ear infections, especially among young people, emphasizes the need for increased awareness and proactive ear hygiene practices. Prolonged use of earphones and headphones is linked to various ear-related problems, making it crucial to avoid sharing personal devices, regularly clean them, and monitor usage duration to mitigate risks.

Moreover, recognizing the different types of hearing loss and their causes is vital for early detection and intervention. Education on ear care is particularly important in urban settings, where humidity and noise pollution can worsen these issues. By embracing proper ear hygiene habits and remaining aware of potential risks, individuals can protect their auditory health and enhance their overall quality of life.

We thank Dr. Aditi Sinha for giving her time and sharing invaluable insights. Her expertise has significantly deepened our understanding about Hearing Loss and Ear Hygiene.