Q. What is hearing loss?
Everyday we hear a range of sounds from low pitched noises to high noises such as a scream. We also hear a variety of loudness, such as a whisper or an explosion. A person with hearing loss can still hear the majority of sounds but not the full range. Depending on the extent of loss a person may start miss a lot of sounds such as conversation. In effect the range of sounds that are heard is shortened.

Q. How common is hearing loss?
Probably more common than you think. Currently over 8 million people in the UK have some form of hearing loss yet as little as 15% try to do anything about it. It is important to have your hearing tested if you feel there is a problem.

Q. What is the best treatment for hearing loss?
Still the best treatment is a professionally fitted hearing aid (althought in some cases surgery or drugs may be an option).

Q. What age do people start wearing hearing aids?
Although it becomes more common to experience some form of hearing loss as you grow older there isn't any set age for people to start wearing hearing aids. Many factors can contribute to a loss of hearing such as working environments or social life.

Q. How can i recognise hearing loss?

• You hear people speaking but you have to strain to understand their words
• You frequently ask people to repeat what they said
• You frequently complain that people mumble
• You need to ask others about the details of a meeting you just attended
• You play the TV or radio louder than your friends, spouse and relatives
• You cannot hear the doorbell or the telephone
• You find that looking at people when they speak to you makes it easier to understand
  

Q. What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus, often described as ringing, buzzing or hissing sounds in the ears, is a symptom that can be related to almost every known hearing problem. Tinnitus can be temporary (acute) or permanent (chronic). It can also be constant or intermittent. Temporary tinnitus can be caused by exposure to loud sounds, middle or inner ear infections, and even wax on the eardrum.

Q. How can I take care of my ears?
Avoid excessive loud noises when possible and always wear some kind of protection device when being exposed to loud noises. Ear plugs, headphones or ear muffs are a good way to help. Don’t listen to music or the TV too loud.
When cleaning your ears don’t be too vigorous. Cotton buds are great for removing wax from the extremity of the ear but can cause damage if inserted too far. If you have a wax build up see your GP to have it professionally removed.
Don’t put things in your ears. You could end up in a lot of pain or even lose hearing if you permanently damage your eardrum.