Hearing loss

There are three main types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss. They depend on which part of the ear is damaged. Learn more about each type of hearing loss.

One of the most common warning signs of hearing loss is the difficulty to follow conversations (or to understand what others are saying). Take a look at the signs of hearing loss or take our quick test to find out if you should get your hearing checked.

There is no treatment that will cure hearing loss – the process of hearing loss is generally irreversible. Once you start to experience changes in your hearing, it will only get worse if not treated with the right hearing solutions.

A person’s hearing is usually evaluated via a series of tests. These include otoscopy (looking at the structure of your ear), tympanometry (checking the function and movement of the eardrum and middle ear), audiometry (measuring your range of hearing) and speech testing. During audiometry, our hearing care experts will identify the softest sounds you can hear across a range of frequencies.

Ear infections can cause a temporary hearing loss which resolves itself when the infection clears. But chronic, repeated ear infections can, in some cases, lead to permanent hearing difficulties.

Hearing problems can have many different causes which are either intrinsic (originating in the body), extrinsic (caused by external factors) or idiopathic (of unknown causes). One intrinsic cause of hearing loss is genetic, which means that a gene or genetic mutation either directly causes the hearing loss or causes a syndrome or condition of which hearing loss is one symptom. Some genetic causes of hearing loss can be hereditary.

Most cases of tinnitus result from sensorineural or conductive hearing losses, and people with a history of noise exposure are more likely to experience tinnitus. In a small number of cases (10–15%), people with tinnitus have normal audiometric results. There is growing evidence, however, that many in this group may in fact have a sensorineural hearing loss which is not picked up on in standard hearing tests. Some other less common potential causes of tinnitus, especially for those with normal audiometric results, include head injury and abnormal somatosensory activity.

There are many different potential causes of dizziness, some of which originate in or impact the vestibular system (the system in our body which regulates our balance). Since the vestibular system is part of the inner ear, some vestibular-related causes of dizziness can also affect our hearing. Hearing loss in itself cannot cause dizziness, but both can be symptoms of the same cause. Examples of such diseases are Ménière’s disease or labyrinthitis which can be caused by viruses.