A Simple Guide to Understanding Cookie Bite Hearing Loss

What is Cookie Bite Hearing Loss?

Cookie bite hearing loss is when you have mid-range hearing loss. It’s named that way because graphically, the “U” shaped curve looks like someone took a bite out of it. This type of sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to your inner ear and is less common than other types of hearing loss. 

Humans can hear a wide range of frequencies, generally from 20Hz to 20kHz. However, those with cookie bite hearing loss have difficulty hearing between the ranges of 500 Hz and 2000 Hz because that is usually where human speech and music fall under. High-frequency and low-frequency hearing is not affected by those diagnosed with this type of mid-range hearing loss.

Here is an example of an audiogram below showing the “U” shaped curve.

Symptoms of Cookie Bite Hearing Loss

The symptoms of this mid-range hearing loss include having trouble hearing in a crowd, increasing the volume on a TV, and may even have difficulty communicating with others. Often times, people with this type of hearing loss don’t necessarily have trouble hearing the other person but comprehending the clarity of the speech.  

People with this type of hearing loss may start to notice these problems while communicating with their colleagues at work or at home with their family members since speech frequencies are usually affected. This person may gradually have a hard time maintaining a social life and may even stop communicating with others as the psychological issues compound causing social isolation. Over time, the individual may lose a sense of importance and may even fall into depression.

However, with help from a hearing professional, they can conduct a thorough diagnosis for an individual and provide the necessary treatment to help them return to a normal life.

Causes of Cookie Bite Hearing Loss

This type of hearing loss is usually a hereditary condition where someone can be born with it or over time can develop it through genetics. Genetics isn’t the only way for someone to develop it. There have been other instances where people have developed cookie bite hearing loss through a rare benign tumor.

Treatments and Solutions

There is no cure, surgery, or medication that will be able to restore a person’s mid-range hearing. However, there are options available to help with this hearing loss. These include adapting to your environments, such as changing where you are seated in classrooms, restaurants, and other social gatherings. Also, hearing aids that amplify mid-range frequencies can help someone rehabilitate their hearing.

If you or a loved one suspect you have this mid-range hearing loss, we recommend you visit a hearing aid center near you. Be sure to have your hearing tested regularly with a hearing healthcare professional. Together, you can develop an individualized plan to prevent, protect and better manage your hearing health.

Sound Therapy: AudioCardio is data and science backed mobile app that utilizes proprietary Threshold Sound Conditioning technology to deliver personalized “silent and barely audible” sound therapies designed to maintain and strengthen your hearing. More than 75% of participants in a Stanford study showed a significant impact on hearing.

We hope this article was informative and helped you better understand how this mid range hearing loss can seriously change your life and how to treat it if you know someone diagnosed with it.

AudioCardio is a technology company focused on hearing health and wellness. Learn how AudioCardio can help maintain and strengthen your hearing with your favorite headphones or hearing aids at www.audiocardio.com.