Types of Hearing Loss in Queensland

Hearing Loss Occurs in Many Ways

Presbycusis (Age-Induced Hearing Loss)

This is the most common hearing loss. It occurs when high-frequency sounds start becoming harder to perceive for ageing patients. Those with presbycusis commonly think people are mumbling and not speaking clearly. They will struggle to hear female and children’s voices. It becomes difficult to hear in background noise, often causing people to withdraw from social activities.

Industrial Deafness

This condition occurs when your hearing decreases due to frequent exposure to loud sounds. This is a common cause of hearing loss for tradespeople, soldiers, miners, factory workers and farmers, to name a few.

Ototoxic Hearing Loss

Medication can lead to ototoxic hearing loss. Some of these medications include anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, anti-malarial and anti-rheumatic drugs, loop diuretics and antibiotics.

Sudden Hearing Loss

Sudden hearing loss is the rapid reduction in your hearing ability. If you experience this, it is recommended that you go straight to hospital as there is a greater possibility of recovery.

Illnesses

Illnesses can sometimes lead to hearing loss. Some of these illnesses include heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. This sometimes affects the blood supply to the ears. Otosclerosis and Meniere’s disease will also affect your hearing.

Conductive Hearing Loss

This can happen when there is a problem with outer or middle ear, such as an ear infection, compacted wax, perforated eardrum or otosclerosis, to name a few.