About Hearing
Understanding hearing loss
Hearing loss is common and often develops gradually. Knowing the signs and the options makes it easier to act early.
How hearing works
Sound travels through three parts of the ear before the brain makes sense of it.
Outer ear
Collects sound and channels it down the ear canal to the eardrum.
Middle ear
The eardrum and three tiny bones pass the vibrations on to the inner ear.
Inner ear
The cochlea turns vibrations into signals that travel along the hearing nerve to the brain.
Types of hearing loss
Sensorineural
Caused by changes in the inner ear or hearing nerve, often with age or noise exposure. Usually permanent, and often helped by hearing aids or, in some cases, cochlear implants.
Conductive
Sound is blocked on its way through the outer or middle ear, for example by wax, fluid or a problem with the middle ear bones. Some causes can be treated medically.
Mixed
A combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.
Common signs in adults
- Often asking people to repeat themselves
- Turning the TV or phone up louder than others like
- Struggling to follow conversation in noisy places
- Feeling that people mumble
- Missing the doorbell or phone
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears
Signs in children
- Not reacting to sounds or to their name
- Speech that is slow to develop
- Turning devices up loud
- Difficulty paying attention or following instructions
- Frequent ear infections
Protecting your hearing
- Keep headphone volume moderate and take breaks
- Wear hearing protection around loud noise
- Give your ears time to recover after loud events
- Have your hearing checked regularly, especially if you notice changes
See a doctor promptly if you have
- Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears
- Ear pain with discharge
- Dizziness together with hearing loss or tinnitus
Noticed any of these signs?
A hearing test is quick, comfortable and gives you clear answers.