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Hearing loss and difficulty
The human ear is a complex organ. Vibrations from the air enter the ear canal, excite the eardrum and a series of tiny bones, and are then converted into electrical signals to be sent to your brain. With such a complex process, reliant on many small and finely tuned parts, there is a variety of different ways it can be negatively affected. This can range from partial to total loss of hearing in one or both ears. Thankfully, however, there are also a wide range of treatments, many of which can fully and permanently restore hearing and should be considered before resorting to hearing aids.
What causes hearing loss?
Excessive noise can cause hearing loss, either total or of particular frequencies of sound. This can be a rupturing of the drum from explosions or other sudden noises, or a slow degradation caused by loud and continuous occupational or recreational noises.
Sudden changes in pressure or roughly poking the eardrum with an object such as a cotton swab can also cause the eardrum to rupture.
A build up of ear wax, debris, or even skin growth can block the ear canal.
Fluid build up behind the eardrum.
The stirrup bone (the smallest bone in the body) can become fixed and fail to send vibrations to the inner ear.
Damage to the nerves that transmit sounds from the ear to the brain.
Pressure from infections or tumour growth.
Some medications can in rare circumstances cause hearing damage in a variety of ways.
What are some preventative measures I can take?
Avoid excessively loud noises such as heavy machinery, concerts, or explosions. Where you are unable to avoid them, keep your distance as much as possible or seek reliable, audiologist-approved protection.
Be careful in your choice of headphones and how you use them.
Avoid invasive ‘do it yourself’ cleaning of the ears with cotton swabs or ear candles.
What treatments are available?
Careful diagnosis to determine the correct cause.
Precise and safe micro-suction of excessive wax or debris from the ear canal.
Surgery to remove growths, repair perforated eardrums, or mend damaged bones.
Where repair isn’t possible, consultation and advise on the amplification of sounds using a range of modern, barely noticeable hearing aids.
Even the partial loss of hearing is a serious condition that is more than just an inconvenience. Sound is an extremely important part of our mental and social well-being, which needs to be carefully protected. Untreated hearing loss can cause anxiety, depression, and feelings of social exclusion or withdrawal, particularly due to the fact that the precision of human speech is one of the first things to suffer. If you have any concerns about your hearing, please make an appointment for a consultation.