Hearing loss occurs when an individual experiences a reduced ability to hear sounds
compared to someone with normal hearing.
It can range from mild to profound and can affect one or both ears.
Understanding hearing loss involves recognising the different types, causes and potential effects on an individual's quality of life.
Some of the most common signs include:
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Turning up the TV or radio louder than others prefer
- Difficulty following conversations, especially in noisy environments
- Feeling like people are mumbling
- Avoiding social situations due to hearing difficulties
If you notice any of these signs, it's a good idea to schedule a hearing assessment.
Hearing loss can result from a variety of factors, including:
- Age-related hearing degeneration (presbycusis)
- Prolonged exposure to loud noise
- Ear infections or blockages like earwax buildup
- Certain medications that can damage hearing (ototoxic drugs)
- Head injuries or genetic conditions
An audiologist can help determine the specific cause in your case.
An audiologist will perform a comprehensive hearing evaluation, which may include:
- A review of your medical and hearing history
- Physical examination of the ears
- Pure-tone testing to measure what sounds you can hear
- Speech testing to assess how well you understand words
- Tympanometry to evaluate middle ear function
This assessment helps us tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs.
Not always. Treatment depends on the type and severity of hearing loss. In some cases, medical treatment or surgery can address the issue.
However, for most forms of sensorineural hearing loss (the most common type), hearing aids are the most effective solution.
Modern hearing aids are discreet, highly customizable, and designed to improve quality of life. Your audiologist will guide you through the best options.
As there are different types of hearing loss, it’s important to have a comprehensive assessment to determine and understand the type of hearing loss before considering hearing aid amplification. Some of the most common causes can include:
- Ageing
- Exposure to loud noise
- Infections
- Injuries to the head or ear
- Congenital or genetic
- Ototoxic reactions to medications or cancer treatment
- Avoiding social engagements
- Avoiding conversations
- Difficulty following conversation
- Accused of having selective hearing
-TV/Radio louder than normal
- Missing the phone or doorbell
- Asking others to repeat themselves
- Increased energy
- Improves communication
- Saves relationships
- Improves employment
- Provides relief from tinnitus
- Improves quality of life
Sound intolerance refers to an abnormal sensitivity or emotional reaction to everyday sounds that most people find tolerable. The two most common types are:
Hyperacusis: heightened sensitivity to sound, causing discomfort or pain.
Misophonia: strong emotional reactions like anger or anxiety to specific trigger sounds (e.g., chewing, tapping).
If you find normal sounds overwhelming or distressing, a professional evaluation can help determine the cause and best course of action.
There are several potential causes, including:
- Noise-induced hearing damage
- Neurological conditions or brain injury
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disordersAnxiety, PTSD, or other emotional health factors
- Ear infections or other ear disorders
In some cases, sound intolerance is linked to other hearing issues, so a full hearing evaluation is essential
Diagnosis typically involves:
- A thorough case history and symptom discussion
- Hearing tests to rule out hearing loss or damage
- Sound tolerance testing (such as Loudness Discomfort Level testing)
- Assessment of psychological or emotional responses to sound
Our clinic uses a multidisciplinary approach to ensure an accurate diagnosis and personalized care plan.
Yes, sound intolerance can often be managed with the right strategies, such as:
- Sound therapy to gradually desensitize the ears
- Counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address emotional reactions
- Use of hearing devices with sound generators
- Lifestyle adjustments and coping techniques
Treatment is highly individualized and may involve both audiological and psychological support.
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