Hearing loss can be a frustrating time, not only for the individual but for loved ones too. Our aim at Harley St Audiology is to swiftly take action before your hearing worsens which could result in severe long term hearing loss.
How do we hear?
When a sound enters the outer ear, it causes the ear drum to vibrate. The sound is transmitted by three small bones from the middle to the inner ear. The inner ear contains a snail-like shaped structure called the cochlea which is filled with fluid and lined with sensory cells with microscopic fine hairs. These hairs move with the vibrations and convert the sound waves into nerve impulses which are sent to the brain. The result is the sound you hear.
Many ask the causes of hearing loss and there are many causes of hearing loss, which can be the result of damage to any one of the following regions:
Outer Ear
Typical conditions which may lead to hearing loss includes excessive accumulation of earwax and infections of the ear canal. Usually, addressing these problems is very easy, but it is important to seek treatment immediately to avoid hearing damage.
Middle Ear
Perforation of the eardrum, an infection or fluid in the middle ear and otosclerosis (a stiffening of the bones in the middle ear) are the most common problems to interfere with middle ear function.
Many outer and middle ear problems can be treated medically. In cases where treatment is not effective, permanent hearing loss can be compensated with a hearing aid.
Hearing loss caused by conditions of the outer and middle ear is referred to as a conductive hearing loss.
Inner Ear
The majority of hearing problems result from damage to the inner ear. Typical causes are the natural process of ageing, excessive exposure to loud noises, medication that is toxic to the auditory system and head/skull injuries. These causes damage the fine hair cells of the inner ear and affect the transmission of signals to the auditory nerves. Generally, hearing loss resulting form inner ear damage cannot be reversed by medical treatment, but can be corrected with hearing aids.
Hearing loss caused by conditions of the inner ear is referred to as sensorineural hearing loss.
Hearing loss can often develop gradually and symptoms can be subtle at first and therefore difficult to notice. As your hearing loss progresses, you may notice the following:
- You are asking people to repeat phrases
- Difficulty understanding people – ‘I can hear, but I can’t hear clearly’ – that’s what a lot of our patients tell us.
- You are struggling to follow conversations particularly in background noise and crowded areas such as restaurants
- Difficulty following group conversations
- Increased volume on the television and radio
- Difficulty hearing on the phone
- The feeling of isolation as a result of not being able to participate in the activities you used to enjoy
Hearing loss also affects the people around you. Conversations and interactions can become more strenuous, not only for you, but also for them. Studies show that people who took steps to address their hearing loss experience a noticeable improvement in many aspects of their lives.
Tinnitus is not disease, but a symptom generated within a person’s own hearing (auditory) pathways. Many people experience tinnitus as a ringing in their head or ears but, in fact, it can take a variety of forms. You might experience it as buzzing, humming or whistling sound. Some people even describe it as the sensation of a roaring ocean.
Tinnitus sounds may vary in intensity, frequency and pitch. You may experience it in one ear or both; it may even wake you up when you are asleep.
For the vast majority of people, tinnitus is a subjective sound which means that only the person who has it can hear it. Tinnitus originates inside the head and the onset may be gradual or sudden.
Mild tinnitus is common – about 10% of the population have it all the time and in up to 1% of adults, this may affect their quality of life.
Causes of Tinnitus
The cause of tinnitus is not completely understood, but it can often be associated with:
- Hearing loss
- Exposure to loud noise including music
- Sudden impact noises
- Injuries to the head or neck
- Side effect of medication
- Emotional stress and fatigue
Due to the multiple mechanisms for tinnitus generation, it is difficult to find a ‘cure for all’ treatment.
Tinnitus Management
No single approach works for everyone, you may need to try different combination of techniques before you find out what works best for you.
- Sound therapy – including nature sounds and music – can reduce the contrast between tinnitus and quiet environment.
- Hearing aids – Tinnitus and hearing loss often co-exist. An estimated 90% of tinnitus sufferers experience some degree of hearing loss. Hearing aids provide an additional source of sounds that makes your tinnitus stand out less.
- Combinations devices – hearing aids with built-in sound generators that emit specific tinnitus relief sounds
- Hearing protection – custom fitted ear protection made to protect you from further damage if you are exposed to excessive loud noises.
- Relaxation therapies – techniques that help restore well being which in turn allows tinnitus to settle.
- We can also help with inexpensive devices that produce environmental sounds; these are particularly useful at bedtime.
- Maintain good sleep practices. Try to keep a regular bedtime routine and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and exercise before sleep.