Hearing loss is exactly what it sounds like – the loss of the ability to hear clearly. In the UK, more than 12 million people have hearing loss, which is about 1 in 6 people with the prevalence increasing the older you get. There are different types of hearing loss and can either be permanent or temporary and treatment will depend on the type and cause of hearing loss you have. Read on to learn more about.
Some types of hearing loss are treatable while other types are permanent but manageable. Temporary hearing loss may be caused by a blockage in your ear canal such as impacted ear wax or infection which may be able to be treated by your doctor or audiologist. Permanent hearing loss can not be cured and may be caused by damage to your auditory nerve or might be congenital. Permanent hearing loss is managed with hearing aids and medical interventions. It’s important to catch hearing loss issues early so that you can regain your quality of life and so that temporary hearing loss does not become permanent.
The treatment for your hearing loss will depend on the type of hearing loss you have as well as the level of severity it is. For example, if your hearing loss is caused by an ear infection, it should clear up by treating the infection. However, if you have sensorineural hearing loss, there is usually no cure and it can only be managed through hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Sensorineural hearing loss is usually permanent and is a result of damage to the inner ear structures or auditory nerve. This can happen if you’re exposed to loud noises (both sudden and over time working in loud environments). Viral infections such as mumps or measles can also cause it. And both age and genetics can make you more susceptible. Hearing aids and cochlear implants are common management options for those with sensorineural hearing loss as well as the use of other options such as assistive hearing devices. Ongoing management is essential to helping you adapt to your hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss is caused by a mechanical issue affecting the transmission of sound into the ear. This could be caused by a buildup of earwax, a blockage of some kind, or a deformity within the ear. This type of hearing loss might be treatable through medical or surgical procedures such as earwax removal, surgery, or medication. Conventional and bone-anchored hearing aids may also be offered as a possible treatment.
Also known as presbycusis (pronounced pres-buh-cue-sis), age-related hearing loss is a form of sensorineural hearing loss and is gradual in nature as you age. 41.7% of people over 50 and 71.1% of people over 70 have presbycusis. Hearing aids play an important role in enhancing the quality of life for older adults with age-related hearing loss. Regular check ups and preventative care are vital when it comes to managing presbycusis.
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a type of sensorineural hearing loss that occurs due to exposure to loud noise. This can happen gradually over time if you spend time in loud environments such as construction sites or at music concerts. It can also happen if you are exposed to a very loud sudden noise such as an explosion. Prevention is vital to protecting against NIHL – always wear ear protection in loud places and limit noise exposure where possible. You may be offered hearing aids as a common treatment option.
Hearing loss in children can be caused by many things including obstruction of the ear canal, excess earwax, and a condition called glue ear, or they can have it from birth. Early detection of hearing loss in children is essential as it can have a large impact on their language and social development. Speech therapy, hearing aids, and cochlear implants are all suitable options you may be offered to help treat or manage their hearing loss.
A sudden hearing loss is a rapid loss of hearing – often in one ear. It can be caused by head trauma, explosions, and viral infections and needs to be treated urgently to help preserve your hearing as much as possible. Some possible treatment options include steroids or hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
If you lose hearing in one or both of your ears suddenly, see your doctor or go to A&E immediately.
If you experience any of the following issues, make sure you see your audiologist or doctor as soon as possible:
We offer free hearing assessments so if you suspect that your or a loved one may have hearing loss, or even if it’s just been a while since your last hearing test, book your appointment at your nearest THCP practice today.