Questions About Hearing Loss?
Trouble hearing? It’s easier to blame noisy restaurants or workplaces, to think that “everyone mumbles”, or that your granddaughter has a very soft voice. In fact, hearing loss typically happens to us very slowly, over a long time, so it’s easy to miss. And it’s more common than you might think.
You’re Not Alone When it Comes to Hearing Loss!
The latest available statistics show that over 10% of the Australian population reports difficulty hearing. That’s more than 2.4 million people! And as the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, that number promises to increase dramatically.
Hearing loss can be caused by exposure to noise, diabetes or other factors, but most often it’s simply a result of aging.
While you can’t stop aging—yet—you can treat hearing loss. The good news is that most hearing loss is mild and treatable. There is no reason to tough it out or to be left out when you could easily be getting more out of life.
With the right hearing treatment plan and hearing aid, you’ll be able to turn up the volume on everything. You can stop asking people to repeat themselves. You can turn down the TV so the neighbors on the next block aren’t hearing it, too. With treatment, you’ll be able to stay involved in all the activities you enjoy and live life to its fullest again.
Hearing loss changes our everyday life
Even simple conversations can be very tiring for people with hearing loss. Following a few people talking at the same time requires intense effort. Active communication is difficult, which can quickly lead to you feeling isolated.
Hearing loss can have many causes. But in most cases, hearing loss can be addressed successfully. Call us now on 1300 878 343 to book your appointment.
Causes of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be the result of damage to any one of these sections:
Causes in the outer ear (A)
Typical problems with the outer ear include ear wax and infections of the auditory canal. Usually, addressing these problems is very easy. But it is important to act quickly in order to avoid hearing damage.
Causes in the middle ear (B)
Inflammation, fluid behind the eardrum, perforations of the eardrum and otosclerosis (a stiffening of the bones in the middle ear) are the most common problems to interfere with middle ear function. Most outer and middle ear problems can be addressed effectively with medication or surgery. If this is not possible, permanent hearing loss can be compensated with a hearing aid in most cases.
Causes in the inner ear (C)
The majority of hearing issues concern the inner ear. The most common cause is the natural aging process. But loud noise, taking some types of medication, or skull fractures can also have a negative influence on a person’s hearing ability. These influences damage the fine hair cells and affect the transmission of signals to the auditory nerves. Usually, inner ear hearing loss cannot be addressed medically. However, this type of hearing loss can be corrected with a hearing aid in most cases.
Hearing loss caused by an outer or middle ear defect is called conductive hearing loss. Damage to the inner ear, is called sensorineural hearing loss. If both types occur together, the condition is called mixed hearing loss