
For most people, hearing has diminished to varying degrees by the time they reach middle age, and beyond. As such, ‘loud and clear’ may not be what we are receiving. In fact, Action on Hearing Loss (formerly the Royal National Institute for Deaf People) estimates that more than 10 million (about one in six) people have some degree of hearing impairment or deafness.
Although hearing loss can happen suddenly, it is more usual for the problem to develop slowly, to the extent that you may not even be aware for some time that your hearing is gradually becoming impaired. These days, experts are also concerned for the hearing of those who listen to high volume music through headphones.
Our ears, and therefore our hearing, need to be protected against loud noise, as Dr Hilary has advised for those using mechanical tools such as garden strimmers. Therefore, you can reduce the risk of hearing loss by avoiding long-term exposure to loud noise. This includes avoiding having music or television on at a loud volume, and using ear-protection at loud music events or in noisy work environments.
General signs of hearing loss can include:
- Asking people to repeat themselves
- Difficulty hearing other people clearly and misunderstanding what they say
- Listening to music or watching television with the volume turned up high
Learn more about the effects of loud music on your hearing
Hearing loss is the result of sound signals not reaching the brain. There are two main types of hearing loss, depending on where the problem lies:
- Sensorineural hearing loss – caused by damage to the sensitive hair cells inside part of the inner ear called the cochlea or the auditory nerve; this occurs naturally with age or as a result of injury.
- Conductive hearing loss – when sounds are unable to pass from your outer ear to your inner ear, often as the result of a blockage such as earwax, glue ear or a build-up of fluid due to an ear infection, a perforated ear drum or a disorder of the hearing bones.
It’s possible to have both these types of hearing loss, which is known as mixed hearing loss.
Some people are born with hearing loss, but most cases develop as you get older.
If you find you are suffering from hearing loss, the first step is to make an appointment to see your doctor. Experts advise that this is particularly important if you’ve lost the hearing in one ear. If you lose your hearing suddenly you must see your GP as soon as possible.
Your GP can check for any problems and may refer you to an audiologist (hearing specialist) or an ENT surgeon for further tests.
Treating hearing loss
The way hearing loss is treated depends on the cause and how severe it is. In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, there are several options that may help to improve a person’s ability to hear and communicate. These include:
- Cochlear implants – small hearing devices that are surgically implanted inside the inner ear for people who find that hearing aids are not powerful enough
- Digital hearing aids, available through the NHS
- Lip reading or sign language – such as British Sign Language (BSL)
- Middle ear implants – surgically implanted devices suitable for some people who are unable to use hearing aids
- Conductive hearing loss is sometimes temporary and can be treated with medication or minor surgery if necessary. However, more major surgery may be required to fix the eardrum or hearing bones. If conventional hearing aids do not work, there are also some implantable devices for this type of hearing loss, such as a Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHAs).
Tinnitus – management
If you have constant ringing, hissing or roaring sounds in your ears or head that no one else can hear, this is a condition called tinnitus. The condition is usually very wearing on sufferers and although there is currently no single treatment for the condition, it can be managed. The effectiveness of the different therapies can vary from one individual to another—for some acupuncture has been effective, while for others a more effective route is through counselling, clinical psychology, or cognitive behavioural therapy. You can discuss all of these options and with your local doctor. There is also a range of sound therapy products, known as tinnitus relaxers, available to help you self-manage tinnitus.
Remember!
If you are suffering from hearing impairment, no matter how mild, see your doctor. You can get further support and advice on many hearing-related topics from Action on Hearing Loss, an organisation that is focused 100 percent on how best to reach and support people with hearing loss (http://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk).
SEE MORE: How to deal with hearing loss!