Hearing Loss

Hearing loss pincipally falls into two categories: conductive hearing loss and sensori-neural hearing loss.

Conductive hearing loss is typically seen in the low end frequencies. Essentially, it is caused by mechanical issues in the outer and middle ear. Infections, wax, otitis media and tonsils/adenoids can all be the cause.

Sensori-neural hearing loss is seen in the high end frequencies. Is is casued by damage in the cochlea. Although it can be caused by drugs, toxins, and trauma it is mainly caused by the aging process. However, this is also what noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) does.

NIHL occurs when noise breaks the sensitive hairs inside the inner ear. Either through very loud brief noises or through sustained exposure to high noise levels. Like the noise produced in industry.

NIHL makes it hard to hear words precisely, especially consonants. High-pitched sounds like alarms, telephones and music, can no longer be heard. As the affected person gets older natural age-related heraing loss will make the hearing loss even worse. Sometimes NIHL can be treated with a hearing aid, but in many cases there is no remedy.

Regular hearing screening testing can spot hearing loss early and prevent a greater injury.