THE NATURAL DETERIORATION OF HEARING

 

Presbyacusis is the natural deterioration of hearing.  It is an age related disorder and something that a majority of the population will experience in later life.  It is estimated that between 10 – 30 percent of the British population  aged between 60 – 75, and 50 percent of those aged 75 years and over have a hearing impairment.

 

 

THE TYPE OF HEARING LOSSES

 

There are three different types of hearing loss.

 

Conductive hearing loss is a change in hearing due to a reduction in sound being transmission from the outer ear through to the middle ear. The most common cause of a conductive loss is impacted wax obstruction within the outer ear canal.  More severe and permanent Conductive losses are related to middle ear abnormalities.

 

Sensorineural hearing loss is a change in hearing due to structural damage of the cochlea, the eights cranial nerve, or both.

 

Mixed hearing loss describes the presence of a Conductive and Sensorineul hearing loss occurring simultaneously.

 

 

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

 

It is vitally important that a hearing loss of any description does not go undiagnosed.  Seeking the assistance of your GP or an audiologist will very quickly rule out an sinister pathology.

 

A quick visit to your audiologist for a hearing test will determine the severity of your hearing loss and the type.

 

For the majority of individuals, a prescription fitted digital hearing aid will alleviate the stress of trying to listen to your friends, family or whilst you are at work.