Hearing loss can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as everyday activities like conversations, listening to music, or enjoying your favourite films become more challenging.
As hearing loss gradually progresses, many people withdraw from social interactions, which can profoundly affect their social lives and mental well-being.
According to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), approximately 12 million people in the UK experience hearing loss. Given how widespread this issue is, it’s natural to wonder whether hearing can be restored. However, the reality is more complex, and reversing hearing loss is rarely simple or quick.
In this blog, we’ll explore the various types of hearing loss and consider potential ways to improve or restore hearing.
Which types of hearing loss can be reversed?
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common form of hearing loss, typically caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve pathways. It often develops as a result of ageing or prolonged exposure to loud noises. Unfortunately, this type of hearing loss is permanent.
While it cannot be reversed, the right treatment can effectively manage sensorineural hearing loss. Early intervention is crucial; seeking help as soon as possible can improve your hearing health and enhance your overall quality of life.
Conductive hearing loss, on the other hand, is less common and occurs when sound waves cannot travel through the outer or middle ear due to a blockage or obstruction.
This type of hearing loss can be temporary or permanent, depending on the underlying cause. In many cases, it is treatable and can sometimes be fully resolved.
If you’re struggling with hearing difficulties, it’s important to consult an audiologist to determine the cause and explore the most suitable treatment options. Not sure if you have hearing loss? Take our free online hearing test—it’s quick, easy, and an excellent first step toward understanding your hearing health.
Earwax build-up
Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural, waxy substance produced in the ear canal. Its colour and texture can vary, but its primary role is to protect the ear by trapping dust, debris, and germs, helping to prevent infections. In essence, earwax is the body’s built-in defence mechanism, designed to clean and safeguard the ears.
A common misconception is that using cotton buds (or other objects) to clean earwax helps prevent blockages and improves hearing. In reality, this practice can do more harm than good.
Instead of removing earwax, cotton buds tend to push it deeper into the ear canal, where it can become impacted and form blockages. Over time, this can lead to discomfort, reduced hearing, and even ear infections.
Furthermore, inserting foreign objects into the ear can irritate or even damage the delicate structures of the ear canal, including the eardrum, increasing the risk of serious injury.
Earwax build-up is a widespread issue, but it can often be treated quickly and safely. Many audiologists offer professional earwax removal services, such as micro-suction; a highly effective, safe, and painless method that gently clears excess wax without damaging the ear.
Unlike home remedies, which can sometimes cause harm or be ineffective, professional treatments ensure a thorough and precise removal, restoring hearing clarity and preventing further discomfort.
Incorporating regular earwax removal into your healthcare routine can enhance your overall ear health, improve hearing, and help prevent blockages or infections.
Sudden hearing loss
Experiencing sudden hearing loss can be a frightening and disorienting event. Unlike gradual hearing loss, which often comes with warning signs, sudden hearing loss occurs unexpectedly and without an obvious cause.
It is typically defined as a rapid decline in hearing that occurs within 24 hours or less, leaving individuals with significantly reduced or no hearing in one or both ears.
One of the most common causes of sudden hearing loss is viral infections, and in many cases, patients can recover with prompt treatment. However, this condition remains somewhat of a medical mystery, as the exact cause often goes unidentified.
Despite advancements in medical science, doctors are still unable to pinpoint the reason behind a large percentage of sudden hearing loss cases. This uncertainty can be distressing for patients, as the unpredictability of the condition makes it difficult to know whether or when hearing will improve.
A significant challenge in treating sudden hearing loss is the frequent misdiagnosis in its early stages. Many patients are initially diagnosed with more common ear conditions, such as ear infections or wax impaction. Because of this, the true nature of the problem may go unrecognised, delaying the necessary treatment. Since time is a crucial factor in the effectiveness of treatment for sudden hearing loss, delays can worsen the chances of recovery.
Age-related hearing loss
Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is the most common cause of hearing loss, affecting millions of people as they get older. Because this type of hearing loss occurs gradually, many people don’t notice the changes at first.
It often becomes more apparent when everyday tasks, like hearing someone on the phone or following conversations in noisy environments, start to become difficult. You may find yourself frequently asking others to repeat themselves or turning up the volume on the TV or radio.
This gradual hearing loss is primarily due to the natural ageing process, specifically the wear and tear on the tiny hair cells in the inner ear. These cells play a crucial role in transmitting sound to the brain, and once they are damaged, they do not regenerate.
Over time, this damage can lead to noticeable hearing difficulties. However, age alone is not the only factor that can affect your hearing. Several other factors can accelerate or worsen age-related hearing loss, including:
- Regular exposure to loud noise
- Family history of hearing loss
- Infections or ear injuries
While age-related hearing loss is a natural part of ageing, there are ways to manage and minimise its impact on your quality of life.
One of the most effective solutions is the use of hearing aids, which can significantly improve your ability to hear and engage in conversations. Today’s hearing aids are sophisticated devices that can be customised to your specific hearing needs, enhancing your hearing in a variety of environments while remaining discreet and comfortable to wear.
In addition to hearing aids, maintaining good ear health and protecting your hearing from further damage is crucial. Avoiding loud noise, using ear protection in noisy environments, and regularly visiting an audiologist can help preserve your hearing for as long as possible.
Contact Sutton Hearing Centre
We are here to provide you with quality care and reassurance whatever your hearing concerns.
If you’re worried about your hearing, book an appointment with us today.