Hearing loss may result from a number of factors such as birth defects, injury or infection. With "sensorineural" hearing loss, also known as "nerve deafness", the nerve endings of the inner ear can no longer process sound waves properly. As a result, some sounds may come through loud and clear while others are soft and muted. The most common causes are prolonged exposure to loud noise and the aging process. "Conductive" hearing loss occurs when structures of the ear cannot conduct sound vibrations. Excessive wax build-up, ear infection or perforated eardrums are possible conductive loss causes.
What
are the symptoms?
The symptoms vary from person to person. However, some common symptoms
include:-
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Having trouble understanding certain words or parts of words |
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Frequently asking others to repeat themselves |
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Difficulty understanding phone calls |
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Difficulty hearing in noisy places |
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Turning up the TV or radio too loud for others |
As it progresses, a hearing loss can interfere with communication, performance at work, social activities and personal relationships.
Most people with a hearing loss can be helped. Conductive hearing loss can generally be corrected medically or surgically. The more common sensorineural hearing losses may be helped through amplification; in other words, with a hearing aid. It is important to understand that a hearing aid cannot restore your natural hearing and the improvement you can expect from a hearing aid will depend on your individual hearing loss and lifestyle. However, a properly fitted hearing aid and a positive attitude may work wonders.
