So, you’ve been told that you have reverse-slope hearing loss? As it is one of the less frequent forms of hearing loss, you may not be familiar with what it is. A lot of people don’t realize that there are many types of hearing loss, which all require a targeted solution. The majority of hearing aids used to be designed without reverse-slope hearing loss correction in mind. Due to its rare occurrence, individuals who experience reverse-slope hearing loss used to struggle to find the appropriate correction. According to research data, out of 38 million individuals with hearing loss in North America, only 3,000 experience reverse-slope loss. We’ve asked our team at The Hearing Guy to explain the condition and how a hearing instrument specialist (HIS) can help you.

Where Does the Name Reverse-Slope Hearing Loss Come from?

When you take a hearing test, the audiogram will project your test result based on frequency and hearing levels. The hearing level represents the loudness of the perceived sound. The frequency refers to the sound waves in the air. The higher the frequency, the faster the sound waves travel through the air. Low-frequency waves travel slowly. Someone with no hearing loss will receive a horizontal line as an audiogram, showing that even quiet sounds can be heard across all frequency levels. The most common audiogram result for hearing loss is akin to a ski slope where people can’t hear high-frequency sounds properly, but they have no problem with low-frequency levels. The audiogram then shows a line dropping like a slope, from high to low. The audiogram shows the opposite effect when you have reverse-slope hearing loss; it starts with low decibels in the high-frequency quadrant but increases loudness to perceive low-frequency sounds. Its unique shape gave the name to this uncommon type of hearing loss.

What Does It Mean in Terms of Hearing Loss?

For clarity purposes, high-frequency sound waves produce high-pitched sounds. On the other hand, low-frequency sounds refer to a low pitch. Individuals with reverse-slope hearing can’t hear low pitches. In everyday life, this can affect how you manage your day. Indeed, low-frequency noises are typically made by appliances, manufacturing plants and engines. Some of the signs you have reverse-slope hearing loss could be:

  • You can’t hear the humming of your fridge or other appliances. You are unable to tell if the dishwasher or the washing machine is running without looking at the dials. However, you can hear the clicking sounds made by appliances as they start or stop as these are high-pitched noises.
  • You can’t hear car engines for non-electric vehicles. You need to check the tachometer to know whether you’ve started the car or not.
  • You don’t notice the sounds of air conditioning units or any other appliances that can drown conversation for people with normal slope hearing loss.
  • You may not be able to hear thunder sounds.
  • You can hear high-frequency sounds. Without low-frequency disruptions, you can hear high pitches seemingly better and clearer than other people, including whispering and conversations in a loud environment.

What Causes Reverse-Slope Hearing Loss?

If you suspect hearing loss, we recommend getting in touch with a specialist who will be able to test your hearing. Experts suggest several causes for reverse-slope hearing loss. Indeed, most commonly, reverse-slope hearing loss is a hereditary condition, especially for individuals who experience severe hearing loss. Chances are that if it runs in the family, you are probably already familiar with the condition. Extreme reverse-slope hearing loss seemed to be a dominant gene that can be passed on through generations. Reverse-slope hearing loss can often be attributed to diseases. Meniere’s disease can affect your hearing abilities in the beginning stages. The disease tends to cause mild hearing loss. Childhood diseases such as measles or chickenpox complications are regularly quoted as potential causes of reverse-slope hearing loss.

How Can A HIS Help?

A HIS can help you find hearing aids that will address your unique needs. Hearing aids for reverse-slope hearing loss need to amplify low frequency sounds without necessarily amplifying high frequency. Thankfully, the hearing aid technology has progressed to offer suitable solutions. Your HIS may recommend digital hearing aids, as these come with multiple channels to choose from. You can find a channel that covers the appropriate frequency spectrum for your needs. Alternatively, wide-band hearing aids also cover a vast range of frequency levels, including those relevant for reverse-slope correction. If you are unsure how to find the right hearing aids for your reverse-slope condition, don’t hesitate to give The Hearing Guy a call at (828) 333-5781. We are here to help you test and fit the hearing aids you need.