Main causes of hearing loss

Medical

Many people experience temporary hearing loss as a result of wax build up, or the onset of Meniere's disease. For both issues we recommend that you visit an Audiologist.

You may suffer a loss of hearing after a severe cold or after flying and although you should recover it is advisable to seek professional advice if you are concerned.

Tinnitus, a ringing sound in the ears can sometimes be loud enough to interfere with every day life and a hearing professionals advice should be sought. A special hearing aid can help mask this problem.

The Ageing process

The main cause of hearing loss is something which we all have to come to terms with - our age.

One in ten people suffer some hearing loss but for those over the age of 50 the figure is one in five. Yet of those only one in six will do anything about it - the others suffer in silence.

Wear and tear on the inner ear and deter0ioration of hair cells means that certain sounds become inaudible. The onset of hearing loss may result in any of the following symptoms.

1. Do you ever strain to hear when you are in company?

2. Have you ever asked others to speak up?

3. Do you have difficulty hearing people talking when there is a background noise

4. Do you find the TV or radio needs to be louder these days?

5. Do you hear, but not understand, what is being said?

6. Do you feel that other people seem to mumble or talk to quickly?

7. Do you ask others to repeat themselves?

Noise

Most people are aware that loud sounds can damage their hearing, but you may be surprised at the everyday noises which can also cause harm. Noise causes irreversible damage to the tiny hair cells in the cochlea.