Around 40% of people over 50 in the UK have some form of hearing loss. Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent and generally comes on gradually as you get older, although it can sometimes happen suddenly.
Hearing loss can have many different causes such as-
Sudden hearing loss in One ear only
Earwax build up
Perforated ear drum
Ear infection
Gradual hearing loss in one ear may be from Glue ear, a bony growth or a build up of skin cells
Sudden hearing loss in both ears
A sudden very loud noise
Taking certain medicines
Gradual hearing loss in both ears
This is usually caused by ageing or exposure to loud noises over many years.
Make sure you see a GP to get a proper diagnosis.
Causes-
Most people who experience hearing loss as they get older do so because of wear and tear to the tiny hair cells in the inner ear. Other causes can be regular exposure to loud noises, a family history of hearing loss or a history of middle ear disease.
Your doctor can carry out some basic tests to check for temporary, treatable ear problems, such as a build-up of ear wax or an ear infection. Your doctor will have a look into your ears using a medical instrument with a light at one end.
Seeing an audiologist
If there is no obvious cause of hearing loss, the GP can refer you for a hearing assessment with an audiologist or an ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist. They will look into your ears and test your hearing to see how well you can detect different levels of sound. This assessment will help find the cause of your hearing loss and what treatments would work best.
The hearing assessment will indicate if a hearing aid would help you and which type would work best for you.
You will need a GP referral for a hearing assessment with an NHS service. If your hearing assessment shows that a hearing aid will be helpful, then you are eligible for a free hearing aid. Most hearing aids prescribed through the NHS are digital and usually ‘behind the ear’ types. The choice of aid on the NHS is more limited and with modern technology many of the better ones are smaller and are better at removing background noise.
Check that you are able to put it in, take it out, able to change the batteries and be able to alter the controls easily. You can ask if you can try it for a few weeks to see if it is comfortable.
When you first use a hearing aid, everyday sounds may seem loud and it may take you a while to get used to hearing sounds with your hearing aid. If at any stage the sound is uncomfortable and you can not wear the hearing aids, it is best to return to your audiologist for advice.
Recommended in London – Pindrop for all ear problems and wax removal.
sources-NHS
AgeUK