Hearing loss in the UK
- Hearing loss is the second largest disability in the UK
- 3.7 million are of working age
- 6.5 million are aged 60 and over
- Research shows that hearing loss affects more young people than ever before
- Many people with hearing loss also have tinnitus
Hearing loss changes our everyday life
- Simple conversations can be very tiring for people with hearing loss
- Following a few people talking at the same time requires intense effort
- Active communication is difficult, which leads to feelings of isolation
- Having to increase the volume of your television or radio is affecting friends and family.
Hearing Loss Causes
Outer Ear
Ear wax build-up & infections of the auditory canal. These can normally be solved very quickly but it’s important to act quickly.
Middle Ear
Inflammation, fluid behind the eardrum, perforations of the eardrum and otosclerosis (a stiffening of the bones in the middle ear) are the most common problems to interfere with middle ear function. Most outer and middle ear problems can be addressed effectively with medication or surgery, otherwise they can be compensated with a hearing aid in most cases.
Inner Ear
The majority of hearing issues concern the inner ear. The most common cause is the natural ageing process. But being exposed to loud noise, taking some types of medication, or skull fractures can also affect your hearing, as any damage to the fine hair cells affects the transmission of signals to the auditory nerves. Usually, inner ear hearing loss cannot be addressed medically but can normally be corrected with a hearing aid.
Hearing Terminology
Conductive Hearing Loss is caused by an outer or middle ear defect.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss is damage to the inner ear.
Mixed Hearing Loss is where both Conductive and Sensorineural Hearing Loss occur together.
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