Hearing loss is the partial or total inability to hear sounds in one or both ears. It can occur due to various factors such as exposure to loud noise, the natural ageing process, or illnesses.
We diagnose, manage, and treat hearing and balance problems in everyone from new-borns to older people. We will review your medical history and evaluate hearing or balance. If we believe a condition might be medically treatable, we will refer you to the appropriate medical professional. Otherwise, we will help you manage the condition through audiologic care and treatment, which may include hearing aids, aural rehabilitation, or balance therapy.
Audiologist training involves completing:
- A Master’s Degree in Audiology (Maud) from an accredited university.
- A period of Supervision which prepares the Audiologist to sit and pass their board exam (CCC-A – Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology)
- Registration with the New Zealand Audiological Society (NZAS)
- Continued educational program (CEP) requirements in order to renew the Certificate of Clinical Competence
Many people experience temporary hearing loss, such as muffled hearing after a concert or feeling like their ears are blocked during a cold. These instances are usually temporary but highlight how common hearing issues can be.
Hearing loss typically develops gradually, making it difficult for individuals to notice changes in their hearing ability. Common signs include difficulty understanding conversations, needing to turn up the volume on the television, and frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
There are three primary types of hearing loss, each requiring different treatments:
- Conductive Hearing Loss:
This occurs when there is a problem conducting sound waves anywhere along the route through the outer ear, tympanic membrane (eardrum), or middle ear. Common causes include ear infections or wax build-up.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss:
This type involves damage to the inner ear or the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain. Common causes are ageing and prolonged exposure to loud noise. Unfortunately, this type of hearing loss is usually irreversible but can be managed with hearing aids or other treatments.
- Mixed Hearing Loss:
This is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, meaning that there may be damage in the outer or middle ear, as well as the inner ear or auditory nerve.
Because each type of hearing loss requires a different treatment approach, obtaining an accurate diagnosis from a qualified audiologist is crucial. They can determine the type of hearing loss and the best course of action to improve hearing ability.
A hearing aid is a small electronic device that can be worn either behind your ear or inside your ear canal. It is designed to improve hearing by making sounds louder and clearer.
Hearing aids capture sound vibrations from the environment through a microphone. These vibrations are then converted into electrical signals. An amplifier within the hearing aid increases the strength of these signals. Finally, a speaker delivers the amplified sound into the ear, enabling the wearer to hear and interpret sounds more effectively.
A hearing aid consists of three primary components:
- Microphone: Captures sound from the environment.
- Amplifier: Boosts the strength of the electrical signals.
- Speaker: Delivers the amplified sound into the ear.
The level of amplification provided by a hearing aid depends on the severity of the wearer’s hearing loss. The greater the hearing loss, the more amplification is needed to make sounds audible and understandable. This adjustment is typically customised to each user’s specific hearing needs.