Signs of hearing loss
by Admin
Posted on 11-09-2022 09:01 AM
Action on
hearing
loss estimates that there are more than 10 million (about 1 in 6) people in the uk with some degree of hearing impairment or deafness.
Hearing loss can occur suddenly, but usually develops gradually. General signs of hearing loss can include:
difficulty hearing other people clearly and misunderstanding what they say
asking people to repeat themselves
listening to music or watching television with the volume turned up higher than other people require
read more about the symptoms of hearing loss.
Hearing loss can happen gradually. You might not even notice you’re losing your hearing. Most people don’t have any pain with hearing loss. Instead, you might notice you: ask people to repeat themselves often. Can’t follow a conversation (especially on the telephone or at a restaurant) or think other people mumble. Can’t hear certain high-pitched sounds, like birds singing. Need to turn up the volume on the tv or radio. Experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus) , pain (earache), a fluid sensation or pressure inside the ear. Signs of hearing loss in children include: not startling at loud noises. Not turning toward sounds or when you say the child’s name (after a child is 6 months of age).
You may have a hearing loss if: people say you are shouting when you talk to them you need the tv or radio turned up louder than other people you often ask people to repeat themselves because you can't hear or understand them, especially in groups or when there is background noise you can hear better out of one ear than the other you have to strain to hear you can't hear a dripping faucet or a high pitched note of a violin you think people 'mumble' when they speak if you have any of these signs and symptoms, you should consider seeing your doctor or hearing healthcare professional to be tested for hearing loss.
Hearing loss is a common problem that often develops with age or is caused by repeated exposure to loud noises. Some people are born deaf or develop hearing loss at a young age through infection. This page has information on hearing loss including signs and why it can happen.
Causes of hearing loss
Hearing loss is common, particularly as you get older. See a gp if you have problems with your hearing.
It could be caused by something that can be easily treated.
The inner ear contains a group of interconnected, fluid-filled chambers. The snail-shaped chamber, called the cochlea (kok-lee-uh), plays a role in hearing. Sound vibrations from the bones of the middle ear are transferred to the fluids of the cochlea. Tiny sensors (hair cells) lining the cochlea convert the vibrations into electrical impulses that are transmitted along the auditory nerve to your brain. This is where the initial damage and hearing loss occur due to age, noise exposure or medication. The other fluid-filled chambers of the inner ear include three tubes called the semicircular canals (vestibular labyrinth). Hair cells in the semicircular canals detect the motion of the fluid when you move in any direction.