Hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with one or multiple parts of the ear or ears. An individual who has hearing loss may be able to hear nothing at all or may be able to hear some sounds.

Vibration of air in the form of waves makes up sound. These vibrations are picked up by the ear and converted into electrical waves which are then sent to the brain. The brain then translates these signals into significant information such as music and language. This information includes pitch and volume which is measured in decibels. The ear is divided into three parts: the inner ear, middle ear and outer ear.

There are numerous causes of hearing loss but these are generally broken down into two main categories called sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the pathway for sound impulses from hair cells to the auditory nerve and brain become damaged. Causes of this damage can include multiple sclerosis; age related hearing loss and viral infections of the auditory nerve.

Conductive hearing loss occurs when the transmission of sound from the outer to inner ear is interfered with. Examples of causes of conductive hearing loss include damage to the eardrum through injury or infection, growth of the surrounding bone and blockage of the outer ear.

It is sometimes easy to forget how much we rely on our hearing. Everyday situations such as hearing a car horn or answering the telephone require us to be able to hear clearly. Indications that you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss can include the following symptoms:

• Turning up the volume on the television
• Social withdrawal
• Lip reading to understand speech
• A feeling that other people are mumbling in conversation
• Stress and Fatigue

Hearing loss can be gradual in adults or it can be very sudden, due for example to a viral infection of the inner ear. If you or your loved ones are experiencing any deterioration of your hearing you should visit your doctor.

There are a number of basic actions that can help prevent or delay the onset of hearing loss. It is extremely dangerous to put any object in your ear, so do not use cotton swabs to clean your ear canals and unless advised to do so by your doctor, do not put any liquids in your ears. Hearing loss can be caused by loud noises, so if you are working around loud noises it is imperative that you use proper ear protection. If you experience an ear infection it is important that you gain treatment as soon as possible to avoid further complications.

With some types of hearing loss, such as age related hearing loss there is no cure. In this instance the individual is likely to be prescribed a hearing aid for one or both ears. There are numerous models of hearing aids on the market but your doctor will advise you on the one that best suits your needs. If an individual is suffering from profound deafness then a hearing aid may not provide sufficient amplification. In this instance a cochlear implant may be the most appropriate form of action. A cochlear implant transmits sounds directly into the auditory nerve and when combined with lip reading can make conversation more comfortable.

Other forms of hearing loss can be treated in a number of ways depending on the cause. Blockages of the middle and outer ears for example can be cleared. Middle ear bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics and eardrums that have been damaged can be repaired through surgery.

Some overseas medical insurance plans include cover for prescribed hearing aids. Please contact our consultants if you require international health insurance coverage.