There are two main types of hearing loss: conductive and sensorineural. Conductive hearing loss occurs when something blocks sound waves from passing through the outer or middle ear. This can be due to an ear infection, too much earwax or unusual bone growths. For help with Ear wax removal near me, contact https://www.earwax.co.uk/ear-wax-removal-near-me/ Loud noises can be hard to hear and soft sounds may seem muffled. Medicine or surgery can often restore conductive hearing.
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the hair cells of the inner ear or the cochlea are damaged. This can be caused by loud noises, aging and certain diseases such as otosclerosis and head injuries. Generally, this type of hearing loss is permanent, but hearing aids can help.
Many people experience a gradual decrease in their hearing as they get older, which is known as presbycusis. This type of hearing loss is usually reversible by avoiding loud noises and using hearing aids when exposed to loud noises.
Sudden hearing loss, which is an unexplained sudden loss of hearing, can occur suddenly or over a few days. If this happens, seek medical attention as it is considered a medical emergency.
Tinnitus is a constant, ringing sound in the ears that can vary in pitch and intensity. It can be mild, in which case only higher pitched tones are affected, or severe, affecting all or almost all sounds. It is more common in older adults, but can be caused by any cause of hearing loss and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue or headache.