Reverse-Slope Hearing Loss

Reverse-slope hearing loss (RSHL) is not the most common type of hearing loss, but it is still important to understand what it is. RSHL is also called low-frequency hearing loss and is not easily recognized. If you have this type of hearing loss, it makes it difficult to hear sounds on the lower register, for example, deep male voices. Read on to find out more about reverse-slope hearing loss, the causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

What is Reverse-Slope Hearing Loss?

Reverse-Slope Hearing Loss Explained

Image source

Reverse-slope hearing loss gets its name from the shape of the audiogram chart, pictured above; it looks like a reverse ski slope. It is the opposite of high-frequency hearing loss (inability to hear high-pitched sounds) which is one of the most common types of hearing loss. As with any type of hearing loss, there are varying degrees.  Even though it is not a very common form of hearing loss, it is important to seek treatment for reverse-slope hearing loss because it can be dangerous when you can’t hear the low rumblings of cars or machinery in certain environments. Reverse-slope hearing loss is not very common, it is only diagnosed in about one out of every 12,000 people with hearing loss in the U.S. and Canada (source). Furthermore, it is difficult to detect without a hearing assessment because most people with this type of impairment don’t need to turn up the radio or television and can hear most people’s voices.

Causes of Reverse-Slope Hearing Loss

  • Reverse-slope hearing loss can be genetic, or inherited through a dominant gene.
  • Another cause is Wolfram syndrome or Mondini dysplasia.
  • Certain diseases or problems including sudden hearing loss, Ménière’s disease, and viral infections can cause reverse-slope hearing loss.
  • Anything that causes a change in pressure of the fluid in the inner ear called endolymph can cause in reverse-slope hearing loss. This change in pressure can be induced as a result of spinal or general anesthesia, intracranial hypertension, and perilymphatic fistula.

How Reverse-Slope Hearing Loss is Diagnosed

Reverse-slope hearing loss can be diagnosed by a hearing care professional or audiologist who administers a hearing assessment. The signs we look for include:

  • Hearing losses of pure-tones.
  • Extremely good speech.
  • Poor speech perception without visual cues.
  • High speech-detection thresholds
  • A sensitivity to environmental sounds that are high-frequency.
  • An inability to adjust the standard ski-slope hearing settings.

Reverse-Slope Hearing Loss Treatments

If you are diagnosed with reverse-slope hearing loss, it can be treated with hearing aids. Each person we treat gets a personalized assessment and recommendation. We normally recommend digital hearing aids with a multichannel, nonlinear hearing option; but will customize a hearing aid to your specific listening needs and lifestyle. Once we have you fitted with a hearing aid that is properly adjusted for reverse-slope hearing loss, you will notice what you have been missing.

Trust the Experts at Anderson Audiology

We are here for you and all your hearing health needs. If you are concerned about the possibility of hearing loss or have any questions about hearing aids, contact us at Anderson Audiology and schedule an appointment today with one of our hearing professionals at one of our five convenient audiology clinic locations in southern Nevada.

© 2024 Anderson Audiology. All right reserved. | Privacy Policy

The purpose of this hearing assessment and/or demonstration is for hearing wellness to determine if the client(s) may benefit from using hearing aids. Products demonstrated may differ from products sold. Test conclusion may not be a medical diagnosis. The use of any hearing aid may not fully restore normal hearing and does not prevent future hearing loss. Testing is to evaluate your hearing wellness, which may include selling and fitting hearing aids. Hearing instruments may not meet the needs of all hearing-impaired individuals. One offer per customer. Insurance benefit, including Managed Care or federal reimbursements, cannot be combined with any of our promotional offers, coupons or discounts. Other terms may apply. See office for details.

Safety today and every day after – We are open

As a company focused on care, our Anderson Audiology team is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our customers and staff. Together with our communities, we pledge to do everything we can to ensure you have a safe visit as we honor our mission to help people hear better.