Common Hearing Conditions

Hearing loss and hearing related conditions are prevalent in older adults with one third of those over sixty experiencing some form of hearing loss and half of those over eighty with the same problem. Although age related hearing loss is difficult to combat, many of those affected have experience hearing loss because they have not had treatment for a hearing condition earlier in life. Knowing the signs of the most common hearing related conditions and being aware of hearing care options can minimise the risk of suffering from sever to absolute hearing loss later in life.

Tinnitus

The condition Tinnitus is defined by the hearing of noises and sounds that aren't actually there. Sounds that can be heard are usually described to be things like whistling, ringing, blowing and humming. Others describe the symptoms of Tinnitus as sounding like their air escaping from their ears or like there is water swimming around inside of their head.

Most people will experience some short term form of Tinnitus in their life, for example, when they come out from aloud concert or when a sudden and loud noise occurs. Frequent and severe bouts of Tinnitus can lead to the balance condition Vertigo as the inner ear controls our balance.

Otitis

Otitis is the name given to a group of ear conditions including infections and inflammation of the inner ear. Otitis can be uncomfortable and can lead to itching in the ear as well as migraines and aggravation to the sinus system. Symptoms of Otitis can be puss or discharge coming from the ear, itching around the outer ear and aching and pain in and around the ear. Any symptoms that seem unusual or are uncomfortable should be checked out by a doctor. Most cases of Otitis can be treated by ear drops or syringing.

Wax Blockage

The name speaks for itself. A build up of wax in the ear can act like a barrier against the sounds of the outside world. Too much wax in the ear, whether it fills the whole ear passage or not, prevents sounds from vibrating inside the ear correctly and can lead to temporary hearing loss. Ears should be cleaned inside with an ear bud around once a week, preferable after bathing when the wax is softer and easier to remove. No objects should be pushed far into the ear though and if the blockage seems too deep, a doctor can syringe the ears with warm water to remove excess wax.

Menieres Disease

This is a condition where tiny tubes in the ear fill up with fluid and pop suddenly. The condition mainly affects the inner ear and so can have a dramatic effect on balance if the problem occurs regularly. Symptoms of Menieres Disease include dizziness, popping in the ear, interruption to hearing and pain inside the ear. Although Menieres Disease occurs in many adults without notice and generally does not pose a large problem to hearing if symptoms occur on a regular basis it is advisable to seek advice from a GP or a hearing care practitioner.
The author has been working with audiologists to advocate hearing aids centres as well as consulting on the importance of buying at the best hearing aid prices and getting quality advice. Visit us: http://www.leightonshearingcare.co.uk/ .