The type of hearing loss you have is described by which part of the ear is causing the loss.

The Inner ear

Hearing (auditory) nerve, balance organs (vestibular system) and cochlea. This part of the ear causes the most common form of hearing loss when it is damaged by exposure to noise or through wear and tear as we get older. This type of hearing loss is called ‘sensorineural’ and unfortunately, it can’t be reversed in most cases.

The Middle Ear

Ear drum (tympanic membrane), middle ear bones (ossicles) and Eustachian tube (how you pop your ears) can stop working properly, which prevents sound going through to the inner ear. This will be picked up during your comprehensive test and is described as a ‘conductive’ hearing loss.

The Outer Ear

the ear as you see it and the ear canal can most commonly become blocked by wax or from an infection. This will be classified as a conductive hearing loss.

A conductive hearing loss can sometimes be fixed, that is why it is important to have your hearing checked in person so our audiologists can let your GP know and potentially have this resolved.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of sound which isn’t created by an external source. The exact mechanisms behind its cause are still unknown. You might find it surprising but tinnitus is very common, with around one in ten adults reporting it.

People describe tinnitus in different ways, it can be a ringing, buzzing, humming, chirping and even musical in some instances.

As tinnitus is not completely understood, there is a misconception that nothing can be done, which can lead to people feeling hopeless and can cause even more stress.

Tinnitus can be associated with exposure to noise, some medications, head, neck or jaw injury, ear infections, wax build up or other medical conditions. If you have noticed tinnitus, please consult your GP who may refer you to an audiologist who will give you specific recommendations for your situation. The majority of the time, learning about tinnitus and ways to manage your reaction towards it can be all you need.

  • Management Options Include

    Hearing aids can be helpful to people with tinnitus as they amplify external sound which you normally wouldn’t hear if you have a hearing loss, and this can take attention away from the tinnitus. Eventually your brain will lose interest in the tinnitus and it can fade to a bearable level. In some instances there will be periods where you don’t notice it at all.

    Stress can have a negative impact and can exacerbate your tinnitus. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep and a good dose of enjoyment can be beneficial in coping with tinnitus. Using a holistic approach and finding what works for you can be helpful.

    Try not to delve too deeply into researching on the internet as it can be counterproductive, however the below resources are the useful: