menu close icon

Hearing Loss

It is estimated that there are more than 11 million people in the UK with some degree of hearing impairment or deafness (that is about 1 in 6 people).

Summary

More than 70% of over 70 year olds and 40% of 50 year olds have some kind of hearing loss.

By 2035 it is estimated that there will be 15.6 million people with hearing loss in the UK, that’s 1 in 5 people.

On average, it takes ten years for someone to address their hearing loss.

[Source: Action On Hearing Loss website 2016]

Types Of Loss

Hearing loss is the result of sound signals not reaching the brain. There are two main types of hearing loss, depending on where the problem lies.

Sensorineural

Hearing loss is caused by damage to the sensitive hair cells inside the ear or damage to the auditory nerve.

Conductive

Hearing loss happens when sounds are unable to pass from your outer ear to your inner ear, often because of a blockage such as earwax or glue ear.

Mixed hearing loss

Is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss may be treated most successfully with a combination of a hearing aid and medical assistance.

Degrees Of Hearing Loss

During your hearing assessment, your audiologist will perform audiometry alongside an examination of your ears. From this, an audiogram will be produced and discussed with you. This is a hearing loss chart which marks your hearing loss and helps you to visualise your level of hearing in each ear. It is important to be able to understand the severity of any hearing loss present to enable you to find the best and most appropriate solution, this may include hearing aids to help alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of your daily life.

The audiogram is a chart which displays the results of audiometry, with frequency (measured in hertz) running along the x axis and loudness (measured in decibels) running along the y axis. Each ear is measured separately with the results saved. This allows us to monitor your hearing moving forward.

The table below shows the hearing loss categories with a description of what you may experience day-to-day with your hearing.

Hearing Loss Category Average Hearing Threshold Levels (dB HL) What You May Experience
Normal Hearing  Less than 20 Little to no hearing difficulties 
Mild 21 – 40 Difficulty keeping up with conversations, especially in noisy surroundings
Moderate 41 – 70 Difficulty keeping up with conversations and understanding speech, especially when there is background noise
Severe 71 – 95 Struggle to find some loud sounds audible, but with a hearing aid this is possible
Profound In excess of 95 Struggle to find very loud sounds audible. Communication without a hearing aid is almost impossible

If your hearing lies outside of the normal range, hearing aids can make social interactions and listening to music easier.

Causes

Age

Is one of the biggest causes of hearing loss, it’s often known as age-related hearing loss or presbycusis. A common age for a small amount of hearing loss is 40 years of age. By the age of 80, many people have significant hearing problems.

Noise induced

Hearing loss is caused by repeated exposure to loud noise over a period of time. Those working with noisy equipment, working in loud environments or regularly listening to music at a high volume through headphones may suffer from noise induced hearing loss.

Symptoms

The ability to hear and communicate well should be held as a high priority. At MY Hearing Clinic we understand how precious your hearing really is and we will work with you to ensure you continue to hear to the best of your hearing ability.

If you are suffering from hearing loss, you may be experiencing one or more of these symptoms:

Difficulty understanding words, especially when there is a lot of background noise

Struggling to hear in noisy groups

Having to turn the television or radio up to a high volume

Difficulty hearing the telephone or doorbell

Struggling to determine which direction noise is coming from

Asking people to repeat themselves

Misunderstanding what people say

Feeling tired or stressed due to having to concentrate when listening

Avoidance of social situations

Finding one to one conversation difficult

Your Clinician

Audiologist

Andrew is a qualified audiologist and has been registered with the Health Care Professions Council since 2002 and has extensive experience in private hearing provision.

Unsure what you need?
Get in touch

MY Eye Clinic
5.0
Based on 21 reviews
powered by Google
Anis FinnAnis Finn
09:35 29 Mar 23
Beautiful clinic, really nice atmosphere, prompt service and really friendly and professional staff. Fernando was particularly great!I would definitely recommend.
Mrs TigerMrs Tiger
17:51 17 Jan 23
Excellent care, all staff very courteous and helpful. YAG surgery clearly explained to me by Mr Morgan, who did a brilliant job. I'd highly recommend this clinic.
Arya DaniArya Dani
14:43 22 Dec 22
Good location
Audrey GilesAudrey Giles
08:58 23 Nov 22
I visited the My Hearing Clinic knowing I needed a hearing assessment but thinking it was just a build up of wax. It came as a shock that I heard a hearing loss which needed addressing. The service I received from Andrew was outstanding! He explained my hearing loss and went through all my options. He recognised that it was a lot of information to take in so made a follow up appointment, giving me sufficient time to think about what I wanted to do. From start to finish the service has been excellent, efficient, professional and friendly from the moment you walk through the door and meet Lee. The clinic is well located, parking on site, high standard of cleanliness. Definitely a recommendation from me. Thank you!
Andrea BoothAndrea Booth
19:55 22 Nov 22
Absolutely first class treatment and experience at this wonderful clinic. Staff were exceptionally welcoming and friendly Mr Morgan the consultant was lovely explaining everything. I had YAG laser treatment painless no discomfort and almost immediate corrected vision. Thank you all so very very much.
Glynis GallagherGlynis Gallagher
16:41 17 Nov 21
Visited clinic today with a totally blocked left ear. Had micro suction to remove a huge build up of ear wax. It was over in minutes. Excellent, efficient and friendly service from start to finish. Would recommend 100% Worth every penny!
js_loader
Resize text-+=