Supporting Better Hearing at Every Stage

Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can occur when the outer, middle, or inner ear is damaged. Common causes include ear wax build-up, ear infections, fluid behind the eardrum, ageing, prolonged exposure to loud noise, certain medications, and injury. While some types of hearing loss can be treated with medication or surgery, others are permanent and are best managed with modern hearing aids. Hearing loss is generally classified as conductive, sensorineural, or mixed, depending on which part of the ear is affected.

Hearing loss can be the result of damage to any one of these sections.

Causes in the outer ear

Typical problems with the outer ear include ear wax plugs and infections of the auditory canal. Usually, addressing these problems is very easy. But it is important to act quickly in order to avoid hearing damage.

Causes in the middle ear

Inflammation, fluid behind the eardrum, perforations of the eardrum and otosclerosis (a stiffening of the bones in the middle ear) are the most common problems to interfere with middle ear function. Most outer and middle ear problems can be addressed effectively with medication or surgery. If this is not possible, permanent hearing loss can be compensated with a hearing device in most cases.

Causes in the inner ear

The majority of hearing issues concern the inner ear. The most common cause is the natural ageing process. But loud noise, taking some types of medication, or skull fractures can also have a negative influence on a person’s hearing ability. These influences damage the fine hair cells and affect the transmission of signals to the auditory nerves. Usually, inner ear hearing loss cannot be addressed medically. However, this type of hearing loss can be corrected with a hearing device in most cases.

Hearing loss caused by an outer or middle ear defect is called conductive hearing loss. Damage to the inner ear is called sensorineural hearing loss. If both types occur together, the condition is called mixed hearing loss.

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Leah Moore
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I was Widex user and changed to the new, latest Oticon hearing aids. I am very happy with them. Julie is brilliant and goes above and beyond to help get you sorted. Great place. Would recommend! Rita Lowe
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stuart pritchard
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I am writing to say how delighted I am with my Oticon Digital Hearing Aids. I can once again eat in restaurants, and hear separate conversations, hear bird songs from inside the house and hear clearly in the Theatre and Cinema. I have also been able to turn down the volume on my TV to the level that it was before! I would also like to say a big thank you to Julie, nothing was too much for her when explaining everything to me. Clare Staunton
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Robert Teasdale
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Excellent Customer Service from Julie and Team. Nothing too much trouble and any concerns you may have are sorted quickly and efficiently. The professional approach to having your hearing issues looked at and fixed by the supply and fitting of quality hearing aids is appreciated.
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Alan Palmer
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Absolutely first class service. Julie and her staff are so helpful and understanding. Julie is the best audiologist I have ever known and my complex hearing problem was met with great skill, expertise and patience.
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Paul Banham
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Excellent personal service nothing is too much trouble. All the staff have time for you and the aids have really made a difference to my life.
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shalini sharpe
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I happened to come across exculsive hearing in oadby by chance as I was passing by and am so glad I did. As I am profoundly deaf and only have 30 percent hearing in one ear it means everything to me to hear to my best ablity. After having tried lots off different places for a hearing aid and having lost faith in finding one that would help me my faith was restored by a wonderful lady called Julie who was in charge ,she was so professional so patient ,kind and understanding but also knows her profession inside out . She helped make sure that this hearing aid was going to be absolutely right for me , and her staff are also really lovely i highly recommend this place and lovely lady to anyone who needs to buy a hearing aid .
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Jane Hutchinson
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Julie at Exclusive Hearing has been looking after my hearing for many years. The service I have received has always been excellent. I can honestly say that I would not be able to function without the hearing aids nor the care and attention that I have from Julie.
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Janet Hutchinson
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Exclusive Hearing are working tirelessly to improve my significant hearing loss. They are caring and professional and have offered creative options to rectify my condition, always with a cheerful and optimistic manner.
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Tina Chadwick
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Very please my mum and dad chose Exclusive Hearing to have their hearing checked and fitted with hearing aids to suit their needs. Julie and her team are very professional, patient and understanding they treated my parents with great care. Very pleased they can hear it has changed their quality of life. Would not hesitate to recommend them to others.
If you have hearing loss, it disrupts the normal relationship between yours ears and your brain
Your brain receives less sound information
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This makes it harder for your brain to recognise sounds
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Having to guess what people are saying forces you to concentrate harder
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The extra effort leaves less mental capacity for remembering conversations
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You feel more tired after conversations
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You're more tempted to withdraw from social interaction
We use award-winning technology

We hear with our brains

The hearing process starts when your ears pick up sounds but the difficult work takes place in your brain.

When all parts of the hearing process are working your brain can quickly and easily turn sounds into meaning.

However, when this is disrupted well-fitted hearing aids will support your brain in getting the most out of sound.

Contact us now for your free hearing health check.

Both of your ears work together to detect and process the sounds around you.
Inside your ears, these sounds are converted into nerve impulses.
The nerve impulses travel to your brain and are analysed by different brain centers.
Your brain then make sense of the sounds by matching them to sounds stored in your memory.

FAQ

What are the most common causes of hearing loss?
Hearing loss can occur for many reasons, including ageing, prolonged exposure to loud noise, ear infections, excessive ear wax, genetics, or damage to the inner ear. Identifying the cause is the first step towards finding the most suitable treatment or hearing solution.
Can hearing loss be treated?
Many types of hearing loss can be managed successfully. Conditions caused by ear wax or infections may be treated medically, while permanent hearing loss can often be improved with the latest digital hearing aids and professional hearing care.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
Common signs include asking people to repeat themselves, struggling to hear conversations in busy places, turning the television up louder than usual, or finding that speech sounds muffled. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s worth booking a hearing assessment.
Can hearing loss be prevented?
Although not all hearing loss can be prevented, protecting your ears from excessive noise, wearing hearing protection when appropriate, and having regular hearing checks can help reduce your risk and identify any changes early.

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