Chocolate chip, sugar, oatmeal raisin, snickerdoodle, hearing loss. You may have heard of these types of cookies, but have you heard of cookie bite hearing loss? Cookie bite hearing loss is a type of sensorineural hearing loss that affects your hearing in the mid-range frequency, typically from 500 to 2,000 Hz. It gets its name because, if you experience this type of hearing loss, your audiogram will look similar to a bite taken out of a cookie.

Let’s learn about the potential causes and best treatment options to manage this condition!

What is cookie bite hearing loss?

Individuals with this type of hearing loss often struggle to hear and understand speech, especially in noisy environments. While the exact causes of cookie bite hearing loss vary from person to person, several factors can contribute to its development including genetics and congenital, environmental and age-related factors.

In many cases, cookie bite hearing loss is hereditary and can be passed down through generations. Some individuals are born with cookie bite hearing loss, which may be caused by genetic mutations or prenatal conditions. Exposure to loud noise over an extended period or sudden loud noises can contribute to cookie bite hearing loss. Although less common, cookie bite hearing loss can develop as a result of the natural aging process, known as presbycusis.

Best hearing aids for cookie bite hearing loss

While this condition cannot be reversed, hearing aids offer a practical solution for managing the associated difficulties. Choosing one of the best hearing aids for cookie bite hearing loss can help improve communication and quality of life for those affected. Some of the best hearing aids for cookie bite hearing loss include open-fit, receiver-in-canal (RIC), extended bandwidth and custom in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids.

Open-fit hearing aids amplify high-frequency sounds without over-amplifying mid-frequencies; they leave the ear canal open, allowing for natural sound transmission and reducing the feeling of occlusion.

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids consist of a behind-the-ear (BTE) component connected to a receiver placed inside the ear canal. This design enables the amplification of mid-frequencies while maintaining good audibility for both high and low frequencies.

Some hearing aids offer extended bandwidth capabilities, which help address the mid-frequency dip associated with cookie bite hearing loss. These devices amplify sounds across a wider range, improving speech intelligibility in challenging listening situations.

Custom in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids can be a suitable option. These devices are custom-made to fit the shape of the individual's ear and provide personalized amplification based on their specific hearing needs.

Visit a hearing specialist

If you think you or a loved one have cookie bite hearing loss or any other form of hearing impairment, it's essential to consult with an audiologist or another hearing specialist who can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend the most suitable hearing aid option for your specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about the hearing aid styles we have and other treatment options for hearing loss!