Cookie bite hearing loss is also known as mid-range hearing loss. It 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.
Mid-range hearing loss means you struggle to hear mid-frequency sounds but have no trouble hearing high or low-frequency sounds.
Is Mid-range Hearing Loss Common? 
Mid-range hearing loss is a rare type of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).
SNHL refers to hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, as opposed to any kind of blockage of the ear. Research has shown that mid-frequency hearing loss accounts for only 0.7-1% of all SNHL cases.
Causes of Cookie Bite Hearing Loss
Cookie bite hearing loss is mostly genetic. If you have a family history of the condition, you are much more likely to develop it than someone who doesn’t. It may be present at birth or certain genetic conditions may cause it to develop later in life.
In rare cases, cookie bite hearing loss may be caused by a benign tumor known as an acoustic neuroma.
Signs of Mid-range Hearing Loss
A good deal of human speech tends to fall in the mid-frequency range. Because of this, one of the most common signs is that you struggle to understand what people are saying, whether at work or when grabbing lattes with friends at District Coffee Co.
Since you will still be able to hear at higher and lower frequencies, it’s likely you may be able to make out what people are saying even if it doesn’t sound entirely clear. Because of this and the fact that hearing loss can be gradual, it may be family members or close friends who actually notice a problem with your hearing before you do.
Possible Treatment Options
If you or a loved one has noticed that you have problems hearing, the best thing to do is schedule an appointment for a hearing test. They are quick, painless and offer immediate insight into the type and the severity of your hearing loss.
In many cases, your audiologist will prescribe hearing aids to help you pick up sounds in the mid-frequency range. This can help improve your ability to communicate with others and enjoy the sounds you may have been missing out on.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Tinnitus & Hearing Experts today.