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The common causes of hearing loss...
 
Age

Nothing can be done to ‘cure’ deafness caused by ageing, but modern hearing aids can make a huge difference, making it possible to communicate with less stress and take a full part in everyday life.

More than 50% of people over the age of 60 have some degree of hearing loss. But only one in three people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually has one.

Signs of hearing loss

There are various signs that you may be experiencing a hearing loss:

  • Other people seem to mumble.
  • People often have to repeat things for you.
  • You have difficulty understanding what is being said in noisy places.
  • It is hard to keep up with group conversation and you get tired because you have to concentrate so much.
  • Other people think your television or music is too loud.
  • You often have difficulty hearing on the telephone.

More young people than ever before are subjecting their ears to potentially damaging noise, especially at discos and clubs.

The damage builds up gradually, and the effects may not be noticed until years later, when it is too late. You can prevent deafness due to noise by taking sensible, practical steps to protect your hearing and by reducing the length of time you listen to very loud sounds.

Employers are obliged to take action to protect your hearing under the 'Noise at work' regulations, which are designed to protect you if you are in a noisy job, but looking after your ears in your leisure time is entirely down to you. Read our factsheet on "Noise exposure" for more information.

 

How to protect your hearing from overexposure to loud music

Here are our top tips on how to protect your hearing:

  • Take regular breaks from the dance floor.
  • Stand away from the speakers and use chillout areas to give your ears a rest from loud music.
  • Find a place to dance away from the speakers.
  • Wear ear plugs.

 

Sound not getting into the inner ear

Ageing and noise affect the 'cochlea' in the inner ear, which is the part of the ear that converts sound waves into signals to the brain. But there are also some conditions – like wax blocking the ear canal, damage to the eardrum and inflammation or other problems in the middle ear – that simply prevent sound waves from getting through to the cochlea. These can often be treated.

Otitis media (or glue ear) 

This is an infection or inflammation of the middle ear usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. You can find more information in our factsheet "Glue ear".

Otosclerosis

Hearing aids are very useful if you have this condition, until it gets very severe. Most people can have an operation called a stapedectomy or stapedotomy.

Damaged ossicles

The ossicles are tiny bones in the middle ear, which can get damaged. They can be repaired or replaced by having an operation called an ossiculoplasty.

Perforated eardrums

This can be treated by an operation called a myringoplasty, where a tissue graft is used to seal up the hole.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is experienced as noises in the ears or head.  Frequently, the noises are described as ringing, whistling, buzzing or humming: however, people report hearing a variety of different sounds.  It is not a life-threatening condition, but people who experience tinnitus can find it distressing.

If you have been diagnosed with tinnitus, the first step towards managing it is to learn more about it. We have a lot of information that can help you: go to our tinnitus section to find out more.

 

Genetics

In the UK, one or two babies in every thousand are born with a significant hearing loss.

 

Approximately one in 1600 children is born moderately to profoundly deaf because of a genetic cause.

Deafness in young children can be associated with other medical conditions, which is a type of deafness called 'syndromic deafness'. These additional conditions are usually of no concern, but it may be important to identify some. For example, someone with Usher syndrome has deafness from birth but will also lose their sight gradually.

 

Genetic deafness

If you would like genetic information about your own deafness, you will need to have a consultation in a genetic clinic. There are National Health Service centres offering free, genetic counselling for deafness around the country. Ask your GP, paediatrician, audiological physician or ear, nose and throat consultant to refer you.