About Hearing Loss
About 1 in 7 people in the UK has hearing difficulties – that’s over 8 million people. There are a number of
different reasons why someone might be deaf or lose their hearing. Age, prolonged exposure to loud noise or
genetics are all common factors.
What is hearing loss?
The main cause of hearing loss is something we all have to come to terms with – our age. Because hearing loss in
adults often takes place gradually the symptoms of hearing loss are usually not first noticed by the sufferer.
It’s quite likely that those around you will notice it first, remarking that the TV is too loud or noticing that
you ask them to repeat things. But hearing loss can also happen very abruptly (known as Sudden Deafness) perhaps
as a result of a viral infection of the inner ear.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
• You are frequently having to ask people to repeat what they have said
• You feel left out in conversations
• You complain that others are mumbling
• Friends and family need you to turn the TV or Radio down
• You do not hear the doorbell/telephone
• You have difficulty working out where sounds are coming from
• You understand more of what is being said if you are looking at the person speaking to you
• Soft sounds seem to have disappeared altogether in speech
What is a hearing aid and how does it work?
A hearing aid is an electronic, battery-operated device that amplifies sound. Each hearing aid contains a
microphone that converts sound into electrical signals. The amplifier increases the loudness of the signals
and the speaker sends the sound to the ear.
Will a hearing aid cure my hearing loss?
It is important to remember that although hearing aids can make the best of whatever hearing you have remaining,
they cannot physically alter your natural hearing mechanism or return your hearing to what it was like when you
were younger or could hear well.
What is an Audiologist?
An audiologist is a healthcare professional who specialises in identifying, diagnosing, treating and monitoring
disorders of the ear. Audiologists are trained to diagnose, manage and/or treat hearing or balance problems.
Professional Login
If you are not an NHS professional, please browse from the menu on the left and follow the links to find out more about Oticon.
Professionals Login
Registered professionals click below
Professionals Register
Unregistered professionals click below
