Hearing loss influences the communication between people, sometimes leading to errors, misunderstandings and other issues that cause unhappiness. Knowing more about hearing loss may help to reduce the everyday barriers and also to increase positive attitudes towards deaf people. Always remain positive and relaxed when communicating with deaf people. Show that you care – your attitude can build confidence.

Definition

A person who is unable to hear some sounds is said to suffer from hearing loss. A person who is able to hear some sounds is said to be hard of hearing. A person who is unable to hear any sounds is said to be deaf.

The ear is made up of three parts, i.e. outer, middle and inner ear. Hearing loss can result from an obstruction or damage in any of these three parts.

Three main types of hearing loss:

    • Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is an obstruction in the transmission of sound to the inner ear. The problem lies in the outer or middle ear
    • Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is caused by the inappropriate functioning of the cochlea or the hearing nerve. SNHL accounts for about 90% of all hearing loss. This is sometimes also called “nerve deafness”, although the term is not entirely accurate, leaving out disorders of the hair-cells of the cochlea. It is found in 23% of the population older than 65 years
    • Mixed hearing loss, which is a combination of the above.

Causes

Excessive accumulation of ear wax or infection of the auditory canal in the outer ear can cause hearing loss. Perforation of the eardrum, infection or fluid in the middle ear and otosclerosis can lead to difficulties in hearing. Otosclerosis is an elevation in bone density that is normally detected on an X-ray as an area of whiteness, and is where the bone density has significantly increased. The natural aging process, excessive exposure to noise, medication that is toxic to the auditory system and head injuries can also cause hearing loss.

Signs and symptoms of hearing loss

    • Discharging earwax
    • Pain in area of head/ear
    • Ringing, buzzing and roaring sounds in the ear
    • Swelling around ear
    • Dizziness
    • Blocked sensation in the ear
    • Frequent requests for repetitions
    • Sits near the television or has the volume loud
    • Insufficient language development as a child grows and difficulty in following instructions.

Prevention of hearing difficulties

    • Attend to earaches, discharge and discomfort in the ear immediately
    • Do not insert any objects into the ear canal
    • Do not instil ear drops not prescribed for yourself into your ears
    • Do not expose your ears to excessively loud music or sound for extended periods of time
    • Be aware of the causes of hearing difficulties and its applicability to yourself
    • Screen your hearing ability regularly.

Hearing Tests

A hearing test is carried out by an audiologist using advanced equipment to identify the site, severity and possible cause of the hearing loss in people from newborns to geriatrics.

Treatment

Treatment can either be medical; i.e. referral to rehabilitation such as the use of hearing aids, sign language training, etc.

Hearing people tend to have a number of myths and misconceptions about deaf people. Deaf awareness programmes in South Africa aims to discredit these misconceptions by educating the public and making them aware of the true nature of deafness.

Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EAP) is available 24 hours a day if you want to know more about deafness, hearing loss and its causes.