What is Hearing Loss?
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Hearing Loss
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss refers to a partial or total inability to hear sounds. It can affect one or both ears and can vary in severity from mild to profound.
Hearing loss can result from a variety of factors, with age-related hearing loss, ear infections, and exposure to loud noises being prominent contributors. Age-related hearing loss is a natural part of the aging process, while ear infections can lead to temporary or permanent hearing impairment. Additionally, prolonged exposure to loud noises, whether occupational or recreational, can significantly impact hearing health
Individuals affected by age-related hearing loss, ear infections, or exposure to loud noises may encounter challenges in speech comprehension, effective communication, and engagement in social activities. Recognizing and addressing these specific factors can be crucial in managing and mitigating the impact of hearing loss on individuals’ daily lives
If you have trouble hearing because of things like getting older, ear infections, or being around loud noises, there are ways to help. You can use hearing aids, which are helpful for age-related hearing loss. For more serious hearing problems, there are cochlear implants, especially if your hearing is affected by infections or loud noises.
It’s important to find and deal with hearing issues early, simply by booking a hearing test at Audiologist Castle Hill. This can make a big difference in how well you can hear and enjoy life. Using special devices like hearing aids and cochlear implants can really help. Also, learning how to communicate better can make things easier. So, if you or someone you know is having trouble hearing, there are ways to make things better and improve the quality of life.
Symptoms of hearing loss
Symptoms of hearing loss may vary depending on the severity and type of hearing loss, but common signs include:
- Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves or speak louder.
- Struggling to follow conversations, particularly with multiple people.
- Feeling that others are mumbling or speaking unclearly.
- Turning up the volume on electronic devices, such as TVs or radios, to high levels.
- Withdrawal from social situations or avoiding group gatherings.
- Tinnitus, which is a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears.
- Trouble hearing high-pitched sounds, such as doorbells or telephone rings
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is
advisable to consult an audiologist or healthcare professional for a
comprehensive hearing evaluation. Early detection and appropriate
intervention can help manage hearing loss effectively and improve
communication and quality of life.
Showing causes of hearing loss
In adults:
- Extreme noise exposure
- Age-related hearing loss
- Family history of hearing loss
- Vascular and circulatory disorders
- Growths within the ear
In children:
- Middle ear problems
- (before the age of three, 83% of Australian children will suffer from acute otitis media or ‘glue ear)
- Abnormalities in the growth of the skull
- Family history of hearing loss
- Congenital infections
- Complications at birth
Other causes of hearing loss:
- Infections, such as bacterial meningitis
- Traumatic injuries to the head
- Ototoxic (toxic to the ear) medications, such as some chemotherapy agents
- Infectious diseases, such as mumps and measles
Hills Audiology is committed to providing quality care, prioritizing hearing, and thereby improving our clients’ quality of life. By speaking about hearing loss honestly and openly, we can reduce the stigma around it and encourage individuals to seek the help they need.
Sudden Hearing loss?
Book in to see a professional Audiologist now!
Early intervention is key to treatment of sudden hearing loss.
Urgent appointments are available on the same day for sudden loss of hearing. Please call at once.
What we offer
Our services
Thorough evaluation of hearing to determine hearing ability using Tympanometry, Pure Tone Audiometry, and Speech Audiometry.
Pre-employment hearing testing is available. Outside office hours, appointments can be arranged.
Specialised hearing tests for all preschool and school aged children including Tympanometry, Pure Tone Audiometry and Speech Audiometry.
After school appointments available
Government-funded Hearing Services available for pensioners and eligible veterans.
Hills Audiology is fully accredited to provide hearing care under the Hearing Services Program, inclusive of fitting hearing aids.
Workcover assessments are designed for measuring hearing loss/injury suffered through the nature of work, and/or, the work environment, and accessing compensation through Workcover NSW. It also includes fitting hearing aids.
On site ear measurements for custom ear plugs. These are suitable for hearing protection from noise, water tight ear moulds for
swimmers, measurements for musicians in ear monitors and custom ear moulds for hearing aid wearers.
Assessment and management of tinnitus (ringing, or any sound heard in the ear). Tinnitus can impact your sleep, well being and ability to focus. Many people struggle with tinnitus.
We can help manage your tinnitus.
