What Is Cookie Bite Hearing Loss?

Posted on by Advanced ENT & Allergy

Cookie bite hearing loss is another term for mid-range hearing loss. This means you struggle to hear sounds in the mid-range frequency while having no trouble with high or low-frequency sounds.

Why Is It Called Cookie Bite Hearing Loss?

A woman receiving a hearing test from an audiologist.

If you get a hearing test, your results will be plotted on a graph known as an audiogram. Cookie bite hearing loss gets its odd name from the fact that if you have mid-range hearing loss, your audiogram results will be shaped like the letter “U” as if someone took a bite out of it.

Why Does Mid-Range Hearing Loss Occur?

Mid-range hearing loss is a type of sensorineural hearing loss. This means it is caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. This damage can happen for a variety of reasons, including age, exposure to loud noise, and certain medications.

However, mid-range hearing loss is actually quite rare. Research states that it only accounts for somewhere between 0.7–1% of all sensorineural hearing loss cases.

In most cases, it is caused by genetics. However, rarely, it can also be caused by an acoustic neuroma. This is a benign tumor that develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve that leads from the brain to the inner ear. It can cause hearing loss and balance issues, among other symptoms.

Do I Have Cookie Bite Hearing Loss?

A good amount of human speech falls within the mid-range frequency. One of the first signs that you have cookie bite hearing loss is that you might yourself struggling more to hear what people are saying. You might notice this at work or when you’re grabbing lunch with friends at Accelerator Café.

Because your ability to hear high and low frequencies is not affected, you can likely still make out a lot of what people are saying, even if it takes more effort or seems unclear. 

Other signs may include finding yourself turning up the volume on the TV or radio higher than usual or having difficulty hearing in crowds.

Because the signs of mid-range hearing loss can be subtle, others might notice or comment on your hearing problems before you do.

Hearing Aids Can Treat Cookie Bite Hearing Loss

While not a cure, hearing aids can amplify sounds in the mid-frequency, making it easier for you to process and understand them. This can make activities like socializing and listening to music much more enjoyable.

You can also try employing good communication strategies when talking with others. This might include making sure you can see their face when they talk and sitting closer to people you want to hear speak.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for a hearing evaluation, contact Advanced ENT & Allergy today.