Hearing Loss
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be defined as the sudden of gradual loss of the sense of hearing. Hearing loss is a common occurrence amongst the aged, and can be categorised into 3 types:
- Involving the outer or middle ear
- Involving the inner ear
- Combination of both
Hearing loss is often characterized by the following symptoms, including:
- Muffled hearing
- Difficulty understanding words, especially if there is background noise
- Issues with hearing consonants
- Having to ask others to frequently speak slowly, clearly or loudly
- Having to turn up the TV/radio volume
- Having to avoid certain social settings and withdrawing from conversations
Hearing loss can be caused by a variety of different reasons including:
- Damage to the inner ear
- Build-up of earwax
- Ear infections
- Abnormal growths in the ear
- Ruptured ear drum
- Excessive exposure to loud noises
- Heredity
- Certain medication
- Underlying medical conditions with direct/indirect effect on hearing
