Causes hearing loss
Hearing loss can happen for many different reasons, it can be congenital (you are born with it), it can be acquired (if you have an infection or a trauma to the ear), or it may be progressive (it deteriorates over time). For many people it is simply a case of wear and tear. Generally, there are 3 types of hearing loss, conductive, sensorineural and mixed.
Conductive Hearing Loss occurs when there is a problem of transmission (or conduction) of sound into your ear. It usually occurs in either the outer or the middle part of the ear.
Causes of conductive hearing loss can include:
- Ear wax (very common and easily treated)
- Infection
- Perforated eardrum
- Glue ear – a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum (especially common in children)
- Otosclerosis – a bony growth around the three small bones in the middle ear
- Trauma
In some cases medical or surgical intervention can help depending on the exact nature and cause of the hearing problem. One of the main difficulties of conductive hearing loss is that sounds are simply not loud enough. Hearing aids are usually very successful in treating conductive hearing losses because once the sound reaches the inner ear it is usually processed normally.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss occurs when there is a problem with the translation of the sound waves into electrical signals by the inner ear, or the onward journey of those electrical impulses via the nerves to your brain. The most common cause of sensorineural hearing loss is age when the hair cells inside your cochlear simply wear out. This is referred to as presbycusis.
Causes of sensorineural hearing loss can include:
- Viruses
- Excessive noise
- Trauma
- Congenital defects (things you are born with)
- Certain types of medication
- A growth on the auditory nerve (commonly referred to as an Acoustic Neuroma or Vestibular Schwannoma.
People with sensorineural hearing loss often describe their inability to hear conversations clearly, especially when there is background noise. This can lead to immense frustration and feelings of isolation. Hearing aids are often the only treatment for sensorineural hearing losses and although they will not fully restore your hearing, they can go a long way to improving quality of life and your overall hearing.
Mixed Hearing Loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural types. It is important to establish to what extent each type contributes to the loss. It may be that a visit to a specialist doctor is recommended for treatment of the conductive element, followed by hearing aids to manage the sensorineural component. In some cases, a hearing aid is still considered to be the best option for treating both parts of the hearing loss.
If you are concerned that you may have a hearing loss, then please book an appointment to have your hearing tested. We will explain your test results fully and give you advice as to whether you need to take any further action or seek a medical opinion.
Initial Assessment
Hearing Test Only
Pre-consultation
We offer 2 different types of hearing assessment. Find out more here or call our friendly reception team at Archway Health who will be happy to guide you through the options.
We also offer a free 15-minute pre-treatment consultation, either by telephone or face to face, with our Audiologist if you are unsure which kind of appointment you need.