If you or someone you know can relate to any of the signs of hearing loss listed above, then it may be an indication of hearing impairment, and you should get your hearing checked.
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6 signs and symptoms of hearing loss
The symptoms of hearing loss depend on the type, degree and cause of hearing loss.
If you recognise any of the below symptoms, we recommend getting a FREE* hearing check at a hearing clinic near you.
1. Difficulty following conversations
Difficulty following conversations involving more than two people or when there’s background noise
2. Phone conversations are unclear
You have trouble following phone conversations in both quiet and noisy surroundings
3. People seem to be mumbling
You often ask people to repeat themselves. Sounds seem unclear or people sound like they are mumbling
4. Difficulty locating sounds
You have difficulty locating where sounds are coming from
5. Signs of tinnitus
You experience ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears (called tinnitus)
6. Turning up the TV too loud
Your friends and family say you turn the television up too loud
Do you recognise any of the above signs of hearing loss?
Over 26? Book your FREE hearing check today
Use the form below or quote the 'Audika' website when booking your appointment. All fields required.
Question 1 of 1
Have you had a hearing check before?
Degrees of hearing loss
The degree of hearing loss refers to the severity of the loss and is generally categorized as either mild, moderate, severe, or profound
It can be measured in decibels (dB), referring to how loud sounds need to be for you to hear them.
Normal hearing (≤20 dB~)
No perceived hearing loss symptoms.
Mild hearing loss (21-40 dB~)
Soft speech is difficult to hear, especially in noisy environments.
Moderate hearing loss (41-70 dB~)
Following normal speech or conversation in noisy environments or group settings is problematic.
Severe hearing loss (71-90 dB~)
People have to speak very loudly for you to hear them.
Profound hearing loss (≥91 dB~)
Hearing is challenging in most environments.
Types of hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss
The most common type of hearing loss is called sensorineural hearing loss. It can be caused by damage to tiny hair-like cells in the inner ear or damage to the auditory nerve. Often, this type of hearing loss can be managed with hearing aids.
Conductive hearing loss
This type of hearing loss comes from a mechanical problem in the middle or outer part of the ear. Conductive hearing loss can also be caused by an obstruction of some sort in the canal of the ear, such as earwax preventing sound from getting to the ear drum. It can be treated and/or managed using hearing aids or other medical options.
Mixed hearing loss
Mixed hearing loss is when both aspects of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss are present.
Facts about hearing loss
Hearing loss is more common than you might think.
1 in 2 Australians over the age of 60 are estimated to be affected by hearing loss(1)
It is estimated that 879,700 people aged between 26 - 64 living with undiagnosed hearing loss in Australia(2)
What causes hearing loss?
Understanding the source of your hearing issues gives our professionals insight into your needs, so we can advise you with the best options for your specific treatment. That's why we encourage you to speak with our experts as soon as you notice any hearing difficulties.
Common causes of hearing loss include:
- Aging
- Excessive noise exposure
- Injury
- Viral infections (such as measles or mumps)
- Wax buildup
- Ototoxic drugs (medications that damage hearing)
- Genetics
Tip from an audiologist
No matter your level of concern, it is important to seek advice early when it comes to hearing loss.
The longer hearing loss is present the greater the impacts on your self confidence, relationships and health and the more life you miss out on!
Treating hearing loss
Hearing loss treatment and/or management may include: ear wax removal, hearing aids, surgery, cochlear implants or bone anchored hearing solutions.
The best solution for your hearing loss will depend on:
- Type of hearing loss
- Degree of hearing loss
- Cause of hearing loss
- Your budget
- Lifestyle, personal interests, cosmetic preferences and communication needs
5 steps to improving your hearing
1. Check your hearing with our 5-minute online hearing test (2).
Start now
2. Book a FREE* hearing check in a clinic near you.
Book appointment
3. Learn about modern hearing aid technology features and benefits.
Explore hearing aids
4. Learn about funding options and subsidy programs.
Funding options
5. Take advantage of our 60-day money back guarantee^.
Audika advantage
How to prevent hearing loss
While there is no cure for loss of hearing, there are steps you can take to prevent it and reduce your chances of developing hearing loss over the course of your lifetime.
Learn more about healthy hearing practices and protection solutions that may help reduce hearing loss.
FAQ about hearing loss
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There are 3 overall types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss. They are differentiated based on which part of the ear is damaged. Learn more about each type of hearing loss.
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One of the most common warning signs of hearing loss is difficulty following conversations (or understanding what others are saying). Study the 6 most common signs of hearing loss or take our 5 minute online hearing test to find out if you should get your hearing checked in clinic: Online hearing test.
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We have three ways of checking hearing in our clinics, these are; An AMTAS - computer screening using specific hearing software (15 mins), a Screening test with a Clinician (30 mins) and a full test with a Clinician (60 mins). Adults aged 65 and over will be automatically booked into to full test appointment with a Clinician.
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Ear infections can cause a temporary hearing loss which resolves when the infection clears. Chronic, repeated ear infections can in some cases lead to permanent hearing difficulties.
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Hearing problems can be caused by a large variety of different causes, which are either intrinsic (originating in the body), extrinsic (caused by external factors) or idiopathic (of unknown causes). One intrinsic cause of hearing loss is genetic, meaning that a gene or genetic mutation either directly causes the hearing loss or causes a syndrome or condition of which hearing loss is one symptom. Some genetic causes of hearing loss can be hereditary, i.e. passed down from one’s parents and may be present from birth. Other inherited hearing losses may not appear until later in life or progressively become worse over time.
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Most cases of tinnitus accompany sensorineural or conductive hearing losses, and people with a history of noise exposure are more likely to experience tinnitus. In a minority of cases people with tinnitus have normal audiometric results; however, there is growing evidence that many in this group may in fact have damage to their hearing system which is not able to be picked up in standard hearing tests. Some other less common potential causes of tinnitus, especially for those with normal audiometric results, include head injury and abnormal somatosensory activity.
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There are many different potential causes of dizziness, some of which originate in or impact the Vestibular System (or the systems in our body which regulate our balance). As the Vestibular System is part of the inner ear, some vestibular-related causes of dizziness can also affect our hearing. Hearing loss in and of itself cannot cause dizziness, but both can be symptoms of the same cause. Examples of such diseases are Ménière’s Disease or Labyrinthitis (the latter can be caused by viruses).
Sources
1. Estimated by Audika using data from the Hearing Care Industry Association, Hearing for Life - The value of hearing services for vulnerable Australians, 2020 report as well as data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
2. Hearing For Life: The Value of Hearing Services For Vulnerable Australians - HCIA
Disclaimer
^Applies to Demant hearing devices only (Oticon, Bernafon & Sonic brands, excludes accessories.
~ Denotes most common dB classification used in Australian clinics.
1 Hearing aid(s) and all accessories must be returned to Audika in an undamaged condition within the 60-day change of mind return period. If the hearing aid(s) are returned in a damaged condition, Audika may in its sole discretion retain payment of the hearing aid(s) and/or claim from you any outstanding balance on the cost of the hearing aid(s). The 60-day change of mind return period does not impact and is in addition to your statutory consumer law rights, and any product warranty offered with the hearing aid(s).
