Having a hearing impairment is different to being deaf and it can either be temporary or permanent.

Hearing loss is measured in decibels (dB), with 0-25 decibels being classed as hearing within normal limits.  Many people have different levels of hearing across the different frequency (pitch) range.  A hearing test is the best way to determine your hearing level.

Types of hearing loss

To understand hearing impairments, it’s useful to get to grips with hearing loss in general, which can be categorised into three different types:

Sensorineural hearing loss

This type of hearing loss is permanent and affects your ability to hear quiet sounds.  It may also alter the way that you hear different noises, making them sound different to how they did before.

Conductive hearing loss

This type of hearing loss can be temporary or permanent and is usually caused by a blockage, which causes sound to become quieter or less clear.

Mixed hearing loss

This combination of hearing loss that makes it difficult for you to hear quiet sounds while also making louder sounds appear quieter is a mixture of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.

Signs of having a hearing impairment

Not all hearing impairments are equal.  Based on exactly how much can be heard, hearing impairments are classified under four different areas, each of which has different tell-tale signs related to how severe the hearing impairment is.

Mild hearing impairments

  • Soft noises are difficult to hear
  • Only sound between 25 and 40 decibels can be heard

Moderate hearing impairments

  • Soft or even slightly loud noises cannot be heard
  • Only sound between 40 and 70 decibels is audible

Severe hearing impairments

  • Even loud noises can be difficult to hear, whilst soft or medium level noise cannot be heard
  • Only sound between 70 and 95 decibels can be heard

Profound hearing impairments

  • Only very loud noises may be heard
  • Only sound over a level of 95 decibels may be heard

Causes of hearing impairments

Some common causes of hearing loss which can lead to hearing impairment include:

  • Ear infections
  • Fluid in the middle ear
  • Perforated eardrum
  • A build-up of ear wax
  • Ageing
  • Exposure to extremely loud noises or prolonged loud noises
  • Tumours

Treatment for hearing impairments

Our audiologists are highly experienced in the treatment of hearing impairments and can offer a range of treatments to help improve or cure hearing impairments, depending on their level of severity.  We are fortunate to work closely with Leicestershire’s leading ENT Consultants, so if it is found that a hearing loss can be treated this referral can be made.

To speak to an audiologist or to arrange an appointment, email us at info@hearingcentre.com or call 0116 254 3909.