Ear Disease and Symptoms

Our hearing health can tell us a lot about any underlying ear problems or hearing conditions we may have, whether it be an easily treatable ear infection or other hearing diseases or issues. Being able to identify ear diseases and symptoms, from treating a common earache at home, to contacting a healthcare professional to address unusual noises in your ear, such as tinnitus, can help you find the right treatment and care for your specific hearing issues.

1. Ear Infections

Ear infections, specifically middle ear infections, are common, but there are other ear diseases and issues that can cause pain and affect your sense of balance and hearing. While everyday ear pain causes are often harmless, the sooner they are recognised and treated, the better the chances of recovery.
Ear infection can be caused by:

• Ear wax buildup
• Illness, including a cold or flu
• Allergies
• Damage to inner ear tissue
• Excessive moisture in the ear, especially if from polluted water
• Excessive exposure to smoke
• External objects like an insect
• Rarely: Covid-19
• Infected ear piercing

While these are common causes of ear infections, they are not the only reasons you might feel pain in your ear. Injury to the ear area, excessive or sudden exposure to loud noise and dramatic changes in air pressure can also cause pain and potentially damage. A perforated ear drum and a condition known as otosclerosis, in which a small bone in your ear gets stuck, can cause pain or temporary hearing loss.

What are the different types of ear infections?

The most common type of ear infection is a middle ear infection, also known as otitis media. It is often caused by colds and/or issues with the Eustachian tube, which helps regulate pressure within the ear. Middle ear infections are especially common amongst children. Another often-seen type of ear infection is otitis externa, commonly known as Swimmer's Ear. Otitis externa occurs when there is an infection in the ear canal between the eardrum and the outer ear.
There are many other ear infection types, too, including infectious myringitis (eardrum inflammation), mastoiditis (ear bone infection) and neuronitis (infection or inflammation of inner ear nerves).

What are the signs and symptoms of ear infections?

Ear infection symptoms can come in various forms, though some of the most common are throbbing pain, redness and ringing in the ears that could be tinnitus. Other potential ear infection symptoms and signs include:

• Difficulty sleeping (especially in toddlers)
• Rubbing and pulling of the ears (especially in toddlers)
• Fever
• Decreased hearing
• Impaired balance
• Headache
• Blocked ears

How to treat ear infections?

The best ear infection treatments often depend on the source of the issue. Regular cleaning and drying of the ears, especially if you are a frequent swimmer, can help prevent ear infections. If you are experiencing pain in your ear, there are several things you can try at home to ease your discomfort, including applying heat or coolness to the troublesome ear or sleeping on the opposite side to help it drain. If you think you might have ear wax build up, do not try to clean your ear canal yourself, as you can do more harm than good. It's best to visit a doctor, as he or she will determine the cause of your pain and can then determine the best solution for your discomfort.
Whatever it is you may be suffering from, make sure to see your specialist as soon as possible to avoid complications.

How to treat ear infections?

The best ear infection treatments often depend on the source of the issue. Regular cleaning and drying of the ears, especially if you are a frequent swimmer, can help prevent ear infections. If you are experiencing pain in your ear, there are several things you can try at home to ease your discomfort, including applying heat or coolness to the troublesome ear or sleeping on the opposite side to help it drain. If you think you might have ear wax build up, do not try to clean your ear canal yourself, as you can do more harm than good. It's best to visit a doctor, as he or she will determine the cause of your pain and can then determine the best solution for your discomfort.
Whatever it is you may be suffering from, make sure to see your specialist as soon as possible to avoid complications.

2. Hyperacusis

Hyperacusis is a rare condition that can affect the way that sounds are perceived. Those living with hyperacusis experience a greater sensitivity to the noises around them, meaning that everyday sounds, such as car engines and ringing telephones, are uncomfortable, and even painful, to hear. As with most ear disorders and diseases, the severity of hyperacusis can vary from mild symptoms to a more debilitating condition. It’s believed that approximately one in 50,000 people live with the noise sensitivity caused by hyperacusis.

Hyperacusis symptoms:

Hyperacusis is characterised by discomfort when hearing certain sounds. Some may experience mild discomfort, while others will feel physical pain in response to sounds that seem too loud. In some cases, people living with hyperacusis may also experience phonophobia, a fear of noise. As those living with the condition start to associate noise with pain, a genuine fear may develop.
Hyperacusis is often experienced by those also with tinnitus and may also be linked to anxiety and depression. Some common symptoms of hyperacusis include:

• Finding ordinary sounds louder than normal
• Having the sensation of fullness within the ear
• Experiencing discomfort and pain when exposed to loud noise
• Finding that your voice sounds loud or distorted when you speak
• Becoming fearful of loud noises

Hyperacusis causes:

There is still some debate around what it is that causes hyperacusis. Some may find that it develops in conjunction with an existing medical condition, while others experience its symptoms alongside hearing loss. Some report developing the condition as a result of post-traumatic stress disorder, while the cases of other individuals go unexplained with no clear cause identified. Hyperacusis has been found to develop alongside many different conditions and injuries, including:

• Head injuries
• Ear injuries
• Hearing loss
• Some viral infections
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
• Bell’s palsy
• Some forms of epilepsy
• Meniere's disease
• Migraines
• Lyme disease
• Tinnitus
• Williams syndrome
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Exposure to loud noise
• Depression

Diagnosing hyperacusis:

At present, there are no clinical tests that can accurately determine whether someone is experiencing hyperacusis or not. Diagnosing hyperacusis relies primarily on the patient’s description of their symptoms and any discomfort that may be felt. Audiologists and doctors use the information that they gather from talking with their patient to determine whether hyperacusis is the likely cause of their symptoms. In order to differentiate between misophonia, in which only specific noises are experienced as painful, and hyperacusis, several questionnaires are also given to the patient.

Hyperacusis treatment:

As many people living with hyperacusis find that it develops in conjunction with another medical condition, the best place to start may be to treat the original condition. To do so, book an appointment with your GP to discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing. If an underlying condition cannot be identified, sound therapy is often the next treatment route that is explored. Similar in principle to the treatment of tinnitus, sound therapy may help those living with the condition become desensitized to the noises that cause the greatest pain and negative reactions. Some may find that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) also aids in the treatment of hyperacusis, especially if they live with anxiety or depression also. Without treatment, the condition could cause or exacerbate existing anxiety and depression. CBT may help those living with hyperacusis to better manage the emotions associated with their symptoms and reduce the feelings of anxiety they experience.
Those who experience sound sensitivity and have hearing loss may benefit from having their hearing aids adjusted to allow for a more comfortable level of amplification. If you believe that you have hyperacusis and wear hearing aids, it may be worth discussing your options with your audiologist or hearing care professional.

Prevention measures:

Although the causes of hyperacusis are yet to be identified, ensuring that you care for your hearing may help to reduce your chances of developing the condition as well as others such as hearing loss and tinnitus. Caring for your hearing isn’t overly complicated, with a few simple behaviors helping you to protect the delicate structures within the ear. To protect your ears, look to:

• Listen to music at lower volumes and for shorter amounts of time
• Use hearing protection at work, when attending concerts and any time you may be exposed to loud noise for an extended period
• Understand the effect that exposure to loud noise can have on your hearing and look to minimize the amount of time you spend around excessively loud sounds (over 85 decibels)

3. Single sided deafness

Single sided deafness (SSD) is the loss of hearing in one ear. It is a common problem that is often caused by viral infections, Ménière's disease or head and ear injuries. Fortunately, there are specific products, such as the CROS system, that can help reduce SSD's impact on your life. There are many products available that allow those experiencing single sided deafness to hear again with clarity on both sides. The CROS system picks up sounds and voices from the bad ear and wirelessly sends them over to the good ear. At Magpie, we suggest that you book a hearing test to determine the level of loss in both of your ears. After reviewing your results, our expert audiologists and audiometrists can suggest a solution to suit your specific needs.

4. Sudden hearing loss

Sudden hearing loss occurs when circulation in the inner ear is reduced. Sudden hearing loss is also known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss, SSHL or sudden deafness. If you experience sudden hearing loss, please contact your ENT Consultant immediately.

What is sudden sensorineural hearing loss?

Those who experience sudden hearing loss have a rapid loss of hearing over the course of a short period of time, anywhere between a couple hours to a few days. People who experience sudden hearing loss find it often occurs in just one ear, and the severity of hearing loss can vary from case to case. Some people experience muffled hearing, while others end up with major, long-term hearing issues. Balance can also be greatly affected.

What can cause sudden hearing loss?

Sudden hearing loss occurs when the connection between the inner ear and the brain is damaged. This can happen in a variety of ways, some of which are natural. Sudden hearing loss causes can include:

• Injury, such as falling and hitting your head or suffering a blow to the head or ear area while playing sports
• Loud noise, including too much exposure to high volume found at construction sites and performances as well as use of loud headphones
• Disease, such as Meniere's disease, Lyme disease, and multiple sclerosis
• Aging
• Blood circulation issues that prohibit flow to the ear area
• Nerve abnormalities, such as tumors or other issues with the nerve connecting the ear and the brain

Unfortunately and frustratingly, many cases of sudden hearing loss are not linked to a specific cause.

What is the best treatment for sudden hearing loss?

If you experience sudden hearing loss, you should visit our clinic or audiologist to check your hearing levels as soon as possible. They will rule out other potential hearing infections and diseases and perform a pure tone audiometry test. Only then can an appropriate medical referral be made. The longer you wait, the more likely it becomes that the symptoms of sudden hearing loss become permanent.
Upon diagnosis, these experts can prescribe appropriate medication. The use of hearing aids can also bring relief to those with longer-lasting, more severe issues resulting from sudden hearing loss.

5. Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head that is not caused by an external sound source. Those living with the condition may experience a buzzing or ringing in one ear or both, or the sound may appear to be generally in the head region. It’s not an illness or a disease in itself, but it is often a symptom of a problem within the ear or the hearing pathways to the brain.
There are four different types of tinnitus- subjective, neurological, somatic and objective, with each having a different root cause. Subjective tinnitus is the most common form of the condition and develops following exposure to excessive noise. Neurological tinnitus develops due to a disorder affecting the brain’s ability to process sound. Somatic tinnitus is linked to the sensory system, while objective tinnitus is triggered by vascular deformities or involuntary muscle movement.

Tinnitus symptoms:

Tinnitus is often described as a ‘ringing in the ears’, but what people with this condition hear is highly variable. Some people hear hissing, whooshing, roaring, whistling or clicking. It can be intermittent or constant, single or multiple tones or more noise-like. The most common description of noise-induced tinnitus is a high pitched tone or noise.
The volume or loudness of the sounds heard varies between individuals and can range from very quiet to disturbingly loud. Although some people say that it comes and goes or as a tone that changes pitch throughout the day, for most, it is a steady, unchanging noise that is present during every waking minute.
Considering the symptoms different types of tinnitus can be distinguished:

• Pulsatile Tinnitus
• Tinnitus at night
• Tinnitus in the morning
• Tinnitus during pregnancy

Causes of tinnitus:

Tinnitus typically develops after the inner ear is damaged or impaired somehow. Some potential causes of tinnitus include:
Considering the symptoms different types of tinnitus can be distinguished:

• Exposure to loud noises like loud music during concerts or festivals
• Ear infections
• Hearing loss
• Head or neck injuries/problems
• A buildup of earwax
• A build-up of fluid behind the eardrum
• Some medications (e.g., very rare side effect of Covid-19 vaccine)

Tinnitus has also been linked to various illnesses, injuries and health conditions. Some of these conditions include:

• Meniere's disease
• Dysfunction of the eustachian tube
• Otosclerosis
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Head and neck tumors
• Vasculitis

Risk factors of tinnitus:

Although anyone can experience tinnitus, several risk factors may increase your chances of developing the condition. Common risk factors of tinnitus include:

• Age: As we get older, hearing loss becomes more common as our hearing sensitivity declines. Those living with hearing loss are typically at a higher risk of developing tinnitus.
• Exposure to loud noises: Regular and repeated exposure to high levels of noise puts us at greater risk of tinnitus. While this often includes workplace noise, such as machinery and other loud equipment, listening to loud music using headphones, attending concerts, and noisy hobbies can also impact hearing health.
• Tobacco use: Smoking has been found to increase the risk of developing tinnitus.
• Alcohol consumption: Consuming alcohol may also lead to a higher risk of tinnitus.
• Some health issues: A variety of common health issues, such as anemia, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, diabetes, and circulatory problems, have been associated as risk factors for tinnitus.

How is tinnitus diagnosed?

Tinnitus can often be diagnosed by an audiologist or hearing health professional based on the symptoms a patient describes. This being said, however, further investigation may be required to identify and treat the cause of the condition if an underlying health issue is thought to be present.
Several different tests are used to help diagnose tinnitus and its causes, including:

• Hearing tests: A series of tests will be conducted by an audiologist to examine the state of your hearing and to determine if you are living with any degree of hearing loss. Testing may also be used to determine what type of hearing loss has developed.
• Imaging tests: If relevant to the suspected cause of your symptoms, imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan may be recommended.
• Movement tests: For some people, movement of the jaw, neck, eyes, arms, or legs may worsen the symptoms they experience. Your doctor may ask you to move different parts of your body to help rule out certain health conditions.
• Blood tests: If your doctor believes that the symptoms you are experiencing may be caused by an underlying health issue, they may recommend that you undertake a blood test or two. This may be used to rule out conditions such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, and anemia.

While testing can help find the root cause of tinnitus in some patients, for others, a definite cause may never be found. If this is the case for you, your hearing health professional can provide some practical tips to help you manage your symptoms.

Steps to manage your tinnitus:

• Seek Help: Make an appointment. Magpie offers a test to determine if you have hearing loss. If you do, you will undergo a full diagnostic hearing test with an audiologist or audiometrist to find the right solution for you.
• Reduce Exposure to Loud Noise: Protect your ears with earplugs or earmuffs. High-risk groups include industrial workers, farmers, and war veterans.
• Hearing Aids: Hearing aids may assist with tinnitus by helping to overcome any underlying hearing loss.
• Relaxation and Meditation: If you relax more, you stress less. The intention of relaxation and meditation is to teach yourself to take the focus away from the symptoms of tinnitus, turning your attention to what you enjoy.
• Diet: Ease up on caffeine and alcohol as they can temporarily increase tinnitus for some people.
• Exercise: Regular exercise helps the body achieve a higher level of well-being and, in most cases, helps people to ignore and better cope with their tinnitus.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking narrows the blood vessels that supply vital oxygen to your ears and the sensory cells.

While testing can help find the root cause of tinnitus in some patients, for others, a definite cause may never be found. If this is the case for you, your hearing health professional can provide some practical tips to help you manage your symptoms.

6. Other hearing problems and conditions

There are many diseases that can impact your hearing. While some hearing problems are quite common, others, such as otitis media, Ménière's disease, conductive and seasonal hearing issues, otosclerosis and Usher syndrome, are far less well known.
Hearing loss can be confusing and scary, but at Amplifon we have the experience to help guide you towards a solution that works for your hearing profile and lifestyle.

Ear infections and diseases:

Some ear infections and diseases causing hearing problems and other symptoms include:

• Otitis media
• Mastoiditis
• Vestibular neuronitis
• Myringitis
• Ménière's disease
• Serous otitis media
• Waardenburg syndrome
• Paget's disease
• Crouzon Syndrome

An ear infection can also cause conductive hearing loss since it can lead to an obstruction in the middle ear. The infection can be bacterial, viral or caused by allergies, colds, sinus infections, excess mucus, smoking and changes in air pressure.

Temporary hearing loss:

Temporary hearing loss can occur due to a few different factors. A middle ear infection could cause a hearing loss which goes away once the infection is treated. Exposure to sudden loud noises is also a leading cause of temporary hearing loss. Hearing returns to normal levels over a period of time if you are not exposed to any more sudden loud noises. Ear wax or a foreign object lodged in the ear canal could cause a temporary hearing loss also. Once the ear wax or foreign object is removed, hearing will return to normal levels.

Recognising hearing loss

What is hearing loss?

Hearing loss, also referred to as hearing impairment, occurs when the ability to hear the sounds around you decreases. It is a common problem that anyone can experience. It may affect one or both ears or arise from an issue within a part of your ear. People experiencing hearing loss may also be able to hear certain sounds or no sounds at all.
There are many factors that can cause hearing loss. However, age and frequent exposure to loud noise are the most common. To understand hearing loss, it's helpful to know the relationship between the ear and the brain, how information is passed between them and how this sense can be impacted.

How to recognise hearing loss?

The earlier you are able to recognise hearing loss, the sooner we can help treat the issue. Here are some of the signs to watch for that might indicate that your loved one has a hearing impairment :

• Sometimes, those with hearing loss misunderstand what people are saying, causing some ideas, sentences or thoughts not to make sense, which can create confusion
• Are they tired or fatigued at the end of the day? This may be caused by the extra effort it takes to hear conversations
• They have difficulty following a conversation if two or more people are talking at once
• They no longer enjoy eating out at restaurants because they're too noisy
• They find it difficult to hear women’s and children’s voices

Hearing explained

When your hearing is working normally, information is passed through each section of your ear to your brain. Your brain receives these messages and you will naturally respond.
The ear is the organ responsible for hearing and balance. Thanks to its unique mechanisms, it receives sound waves and transforms them into proper sounds, making sense to us.

The importance of well hearing:

Hearing is precious as 40% of the information provided by our senses is auditory in origin. Not only that, it also helps us to orient ourselves in relation to sound sources, allowing us to understand the environment around us. In every part of the communication process, hearing acts as a sound filter, working in passive mode when unimportant background noise is present so we can focus on other things without overburdening our brain.
Without noticing it, our hearing reverts back to its active mode as soon as important information, such as speech, car noise or the sound of a ringing phone, reaches us. Hygiene (keeping our ears clean, dealing with earwax) is very important to ensure that our hearing function remains optimal.

Hearing and balance:

Ears have another important function aside from hearing: balance. Within the inner ear are three ringed canals containing fluid. The link between hearing and balance is determined by the posterior, lateral and anterior canals in the ear, which operate on different planes (think of measuring a box: it has length, depth and width), with the movement of the fluid in these canals helping the brain to establish balance.
The continued movement of these fluids is why people feel dizzy after spinning around, before returning to normal once the fluid settles again. Ear infections and medical conditions which reach the ear can also, therefore, affect balance as well as hearing.

Understanding sounds and communicating:

Our hearing is, above all else, the most important sense used for communication. It is essential for language learning, meaning that hearing problems in babies and children can have a greater impact on their development, affecting the way they interact with the world around them.

Hearing can decode and reproduce the intonations, rhythms and accentuations of a heard sentence. Each sound, each string of sounds and each variation is as much a form of information to us as it is to the person communicating with us. By analysing this information, hearing allows us to respond in the most appropriate way using what our auditory system and brain have learned.

Ear wax and protection:

Everyone has ear wax and it is common to have a build up making it hard to hear properly. Although this can be easily removed, it can happen time and time again, causing hearing loss or affecting the performance of existing hearing aids.

How can I improve my hearing?

It is important to be aware of how the ear works and to identify the situations in which you have difficulty hearing. Speak to a friend or family member as they may be able to give you advice and support, and they might even notice changes in your hearing or behavior that you haven’t.
Perhaps the easiest and best way to protect your hearing is to reassure yourself with our expert advice and support. At Magpie, we have more than 10 years of experience and understanding of how the ear works. Our expert audiologists and audiometrists are dedicated to helping you rediscover what it is like to hear well. Book an appointment today.

Hearing loss symptoms and signs

Are you experiencing hearing difficulties?

Is it getting harder to hear what people are saying to you in crowded rooms with lots of background noise? Can you hear the phone ring? Do you often miss calls? You might be experiencing signs of hearing loss, also known as a hearing impairment. It’s okay, though, hearing loss is much more common than you might think.

Signs and symptoms:

If you find yourself agreeing to one or more of the following statements you might be experiencing hearing loss symptoms or already have a hearing impairment:

• It sounds like people are mumbling when they're talking to me
• I ask people to repeat themselves, even when it’s quiet
• I get tired from concentrating to understand what people are saying
• They no longer enjoy eating out at restaurants because they're too noisy
• I have difficulty hearing in restaurants when there is a lot of background noise
• I find it difficult to work out what direction sound is coming from
• I find it harder to hear female or children’s voices
• I find it difficult to hear from a distance in a quieter environment
• I need the TV up louder than others
• People tell me I speak loudly
• I feel I need to lean in when I'm talking to somebody
• I have a family history of hearing loss
• I have a history of exposure to noise in my workplace
• I have a constant ringing in my ears
• I take medication that can harm my hearing (ototoxic drugs)

If you agree to at least two of these statements, you might have hearing loss. It’s okay. You’re not alone. Help is available. It takes an average of seven years for someone with a hearing impairment or hearing loss symptoms to seek help. Begin your journey sooner to prevent hearing loss. Take an appointment today and you will be on your way to better hearing.

Hearing loss causes and types

Possible causes of hearing loss:

There are many possible causes of hearing loss, with some of the most common including:

• Aging
• Exposure to loud noise
• Recessive genetic conditions or syndromes
• Some medications
• Acoustic neuroma - a benign tumor on the auditory nerves between the ear and brain
• A buildup of ear wax
• Some infections and illnesses like sinusitis
• Head trauma
• Listening to loud music
• Smoking, alcohol, and being overweight
• External objects, like an insect in the ear
• Very rare side effect of Covid-19 vaccine
• Other diseases like a tympanic effusion

Understanding what causes your hearing to change can help you in deciding what you do next and whether hearing aids are an option you want to consider.

Types of hearing loss:

Just as there are a number of possible hearing loss causes, there are also various types of hearing loss:

Sensorineural hearing loss:

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there has been damage to the inner ear or the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. It can be either congenital (present at birth) or an acquired condition.

Conductive hearing loss:

Conductive hearing loss is a condition where sounds are blocked from entering the inner ear via the outer or middle ear. The condition can have a variety of causes, such as ear infections, trauma, and benign tumors.

Mixed hearing loss:

Mixed hearing loss is a condition where hearing loss is due to conditions affecting the external/middle and inner ear. It is a combination of conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss.

Noise induced hearing loss:

Noise induced hearing loss is where the structures of the inner ear, including the nerve hair cells in the cochlea, are damaged by noise that is beyond safe levels. It may be the result of an intense one-off exposure or prolonged exposure. Noise induced hearing loss may be gradual, permanent or temporary.

High frequency hearing loss:

High frequency hearing loss is where people have trouble hearing sounds between 2,000 and 8,000 Hertz. The condition often occurs when there is damage to the cells within the cochlea from noise, aging, genetics, noise exposure, illness, or other environmental factors.

Unilateral hearing loss:

Unilateral hearing loss is found in only one ear, with the other ear generally unaffected. It may be congenital or acquired at any point in a person’s life, with the degree of hearing loss ranging from mild to profound.

Hearing loss after ear infection:

Hearing loss after an ear infection may or may not be permanent, depending on the severity of the infection. An ear infection is in itself a form of conductive hearing loss, but it can have a lasting impact on hearing if left untreated. Recurring ear infections can result in tympanosclerosis, scarring, or thickening of the tympanic membrane, which can impact the movement of the eardrum and general hearing.

Hearing loss Prevention

Possible causes of hearing loss:

As we go about our day to day lives, we are bombarded with a steady stream of sounds at different levels. Sometimes these sounds are so loud that they can damage your hearing and cause hearing loss. The key to keeping your hearing healthy is understanding just how much damage these loud sounds can cause. Loud noises, such as fireworks, can easily damage your hearing. Repeated exposure to sounds, such as machinery, loud music festivals or concerts, over a longer period of time can gradually take its toll on your hearing without you even noticing. This type of damage is likely to be permanent. There are many work environments that require the use of hearing protection. Musicians need protection for their ears, as do people riding motorcycles. You may or may not know that regular exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or above can affect your hearing on a more permanent basis. It’s important to know that you can protect your hearing with simple but effective preventative measures.
If you’re concerned about your hearing, our team of expert hearing specialists are available to answer any questions you may have about protecting your hearing for the future so that you never miss out on that special moment.

What can I do to protect my hearing?

The important thing to remember is that you can take preventative measures to protect your hearing. Some ways you can protect your hearing and prevent hearing loss include:

• Reducing the time you are exposed to high noise levels
• Use earwax softeners to control wax buildup in your ears
• Avoid using too many noisy appliances at the same time at home
• Move further away from any source of loud sounds
• Wear hearing protection when working with noisy equipment (e.g., lawn mowers)
• Check decibel output when purchasing new products - the smaller, the better

Turning the volume down on personal music devices and using sound-excluding headphones or earbuds The very best advice is to never do anything that could put your sense of hearing at risk of permanent damage.

Presbycusis

Hearing loss and aging:

The aging process naturally affects your hearing, but other factors can have subtle or sudden effects. It’s a good idea to keep track of these changes, but we understand that it is not always easy to recognise hearing loss symptoms or to know what type of hearing loss you might have.

Hearing loss and meningitis

Hearing loss and meningitis

A leading cause of acquired deafness, meningitis has been found to cause permanent hearing loss in about 8% of those that recover, according to the Meningitis Research Foundation. While it should be emphasized that not all people who experience meningitis will suffer hearing loss, it is true that they are at much higher risk. It is therefore important that those who experience meningitis should have a hearing test as soon as they can. This will determine if there has been any impact to their hearing and what provisions can be made to help the situation.
And if you - or someone you know - has experienced hearing loss from meningitis, please know there is support available at Amplifon. We offer ways to help with your hearing, including the use of discrete, comfortable and effective hearing aids.

Hearing loss and meningitis:

Meningitis is an infection in the lining and fluid around the brain and spinal column. It can be viral, fungal, or parasitic, but the bacterial form of meningitis is most closely associated with hearing loss. In this case, damage to hearing is caused when toxins from the bacteria attack the inner ear - where they can cause damage to the hair cells of the cochlea or nerve fibres. This usually happens within the first couple of days of illness. It is estimated that 30% of bacterial cases lead to some kind of hearing damage. This damage can be to a moderate or severe degree, affect one or both ears, and can be permanent or temporary.
It is most common to children but bacterial meningitis is something that can be contracted at any age.

Treatments for meningitis and hearing loss prevention:

With the exception of cases of viral meningitis, powerful antibiotics are used to treat the illness in hospitals. One of the things to be aware of is that some of these medications can have the side-effect of actually causing hearing loss themselves. It is recommended to discuss this with your doctor.
When treating bacterial meningitis, steroids are used to help reduce the risk of neurological damage and the possibility of hearing loss and blindness. In some cases, steroids will be administered directly to the inner ear as a preventative measure against damage that will impact hearing.