One in six adults experience some degree of hearing loss, which increases to three in four above the age of 75 years.
Children are commonly affected by “glue ear” (fluid in the middle ear), but some are born with a hearing loss (congenital).
Hearing loss may also occur as a result of a serious viral or bacterial infection including meningitis.
Other common reasons for hearing loss include, noise exposure, wax in the ear, ear infections, a hole in the ear drum (tympanic membrane perforation) but sometimes a cause cannot be found.
The causes of deafness can be broadly grouped into:
Treatment depends on the cause.
Treatment may simply require ear microsuction to remove impacted wax from the ear canals.
In children “glue ear” that does not naturally drain may be treated by grommet insertion. For some, a hearing aid is an option.
If hearing loss occurs suddenly seek advice immediately from a specialist. It is an emergency, just like a sudden loss of vision. If treated quickly the likelihood of regaining hearing increases significantly. This applies even if the hearing loss is just in one ear.
Please click HERE for more information on the ENTUK website
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