Ask the Expert
What is hearing loss?
Hearing loss is defined as a certain level of reduced hearing in one or both ears. According to the Irish Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists, permanent acquired hearing loss affects one in 12 of the adult population in Ireland. This rises to 50% in the over 70-age group.
People can experience bilateral or unilateral hearing loss. Unilateral hearing loss, also known as single sided deafness, is the partial or complete loss of hearing in one ear. This type of hearing loss can be quite common and can be triggered by the following causes:
- It can be inherited (as other types of genetic hearing loss)
- It can occur as a result of a trauma or injury to the head
- An acoustic neuroma often results in a unilateral hearing loss
- If can be caused by an infection
Bilateral hearing loss is where hearing loss occurs in both ears. The level of hearing loss can either be symmetrical where the same degree of hearing loss occurs in both ears or asymmetrical where sounds are experienced differently in both ears.
There are also three types of hearing loss which are listed below.
Types of hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss
The most common type of hearing loss is called sensorineural hearing loss. It can be caused by damage to tiny hair-like cells in the inner ear or damage to the auditory nerve. Often, this type of hearing loss can be treated with hearing aids.
Conductive hearing loss
This type of hearing loss comes from a mechanical problem in the middle or outer part of the ear. Conductive hearing loss can also be caused by an obstruction of some sort in the canal of the ear, such as earwax preventing sound from getting to the ear drum. It can be treated using hearing aids or other medical options.
Mixed hearing loss
Mixed hearing loss is when both aspects of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss are present.
Degrees of hearing loss
The degree of hearing loss refers to the severity of the loss and is generally categorised as either mild, moderate, severe, or profound
It can be measured in decibels (dB), referring to how loud sounds need to be for you to hear them.
Test yourself: Should I get a hearing test?
Answer the 4 questions below to see if you should consider getting a hearing test.
Your Result:
A hearing test is relevant for you
Your answers indicate that you experience symptoms of hearing loss. We strongly recommend booking a hearing test in one of our clinics.
The result is an indication. An in-person hearing test can determine if you have a hearing loss.
Book your free hearing test:
Your Result:
A hearing test seems relevant for you
Your answers indicate that you experience some symptoms of hearing loss. We recommend booking a hearing test in one of our clinics.
The result is an indication. An in-person hearing test can determine if you have a hearing loss.
Book your free hearing test:
Your Result:
It cannot be determined here if a hearing test is relevant for you
Your answers do not indicate that you experience symptoms of hearing loss. However, if you experience trouble hearing, we recommend booking a hearing test in one of our clinics.
The result is an indication. An in-person hearing test can determine if you have a hearing loss.
Book your free hearing test:
What causes hearing loss?
Understanding the source of your hearing issues gives our professionals insight into your needs, so we can advise you with the best options for your specific treatment. That's why we encourage you to speak with our experts as soon as you notice any hearing difficulties.
Common causes of hearing loss include:
- Ageing
- Excessive noise exposure
- Injury
- Viral infections (such as measles or mumps)
- Wax build-up
- Ototoxic drugs (medications that damage hearing)
- Genetics
Tip from an audiologist
If you are looking for treatment for hearing impairment, we advice you to begin the process as soon as possible.
It takes time for patients to come to terms with their diagnosis, and hearing loss is stigmatised. As an audiologist, I am all too aware of the impact of hearing loss on a patients social, psychological, and mental wellbeing; however, the patient will ultimately decide what is best for them.
Often, patients take time to process their diagnosis, make an informed decision and return for treatment. It thrills me to know when they are taking control of their hearing health.
6 signs and symptoms of hearing loss
The symptoms of hearing loss depend on the type, degree and cause of hearing loss.
If you recognise any of the below symptoms, we recommend getting a free hearing test at a hearing clinic near you.
Do you recognise any of the above signs of hearing loss?
If you or someone you know can relate to any of the signs of hearing loss listed above, then it may be an indication of hearing impairment, and you should get your hearing tested.
Facts about hearing loss
Hearing loss is more common than you might think.
Treating hearing loss
Hearing loss treatments include: earwax removal, hearing aids, surgery, cochlear implants or bone anchored hearing solutions.
The best solution for your hearing loss will depend on:
- Type of hearing loss
- Degree of hearing loss
- Cause of hearing loss
- Your budget
- Lifestyle, personal interests, cosmetic preferences and communication needs
5 steps to improving your hearing
What happens at a hearing test?
You might be wondering what takes place at a hearing assessment, such as how your provider will check for hearing loss and what you can expect to learn. Our brief guide will provide you with a step-by-step overview so that you can be prepared for your appointment.
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Hidden Hearing logo
As an essential service, we remain open for all your hearing healthcare needs in the safest hearing healthcare clinics in Ireland. |
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Watch and see how quick, safe & easy it is to have a free hearing test
A woman is on her way to the clinic
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On the day of your test, a friend or family member is recommended to come along with you
The woman walks into the clinic
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You will be greeted in the reception by one of our friendly clinic coordinators, who will ask you to sanitise your hands and sign in
Clinic coordination welcomes the customer and points at the sanitiser
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Woman stands at the reception and fills out a couple of questions.
You will also be asked the following questions:
New, continuous cough, high temperature or fever, loss of, or change in sense of smell or taste?
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You will then meet your audiologist, who will bring you through to our consultation room
Audiologist is welcoming the customer.
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To complete your free hearing assessment. Your audiologist will begin by asking you about your medical history in order to find out more about your hearing concerns and lifestyle factors.
Audiologist talks with the customer and starts the physical ear exam, and hearing test |
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Your audiologist will also conduct a physical ear exam of your ears
Zooms in on the results of the hearing test.
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Your audiologist will make a recommendation based on these results.
Audiologist finishes the consultation.
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If there is hearing loss detected, we will assist you in choosing the best hearing aid solution to suit your needs
The customer is followed out of the clinic by the audiologist.
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Hidden Hearing
Book a FREE hearing test today Call 1800 370 000 or email infor@hiddenhearing.ie
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How to prevent hearing loss
While there is no cure for loss of hearing, there are steps you can take in preventing hearing loss and reducing your chances of developing hearing loss over the course of your lifetime.
Learn more about healthy hearing practices and protection solutions that can help keep hearing loss at bay.
FAQ about hearing loss
Sources
1. Kochkin, Sergei (2009) ”MarkeTrak VIII: 25-Year Trends in the Hearing Health Market” The Hearing Review, vol. 16, no. 11.
2. McCormack, A. & Fortnum, H. Why do people fitted with hearing aids not wear them? Int J Audiol. 2013 May; 52(5): 360–368.
3. Chisolm, T. H., Johnson, C. E., Danhauer, J. L., Portz, L. J. P., Abrams, H. B., Lesner, S., … Newman, C. W. (2007). A
systematic review of health-related quality of life and hearing aids: Final report of the American Academy of Audiology Task
Force on the Health-Related Quality of Life Benefits of Amplification in Adults. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology,
18(2), 151-183
4. Masterson EA, Bushnell PT, Themann CL, Morata TC. Hearing Impairment Among Noise-Exposed Workers — United States, 2003–2012. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016;65:389–394. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6515a2
5. Haile et al. Hearing loss prevalence and years lived with disability, 1990–2019: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The Lancet. 2021 March. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736
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6. ISHAA