Sudden deafness accounts for about 1% of the overall number of cases of sensorineural hearing loss. Most of the cases have no identifiable origin and a cause can be found in only 15% of the patients.

There are four main possible causes of Sudden Hearing Loss (SHL): circulatory anomalies, viral infection of the cochlea, irregularities of the cochlear membrane and autoimmune disorders. However, the most common cause is a disturbance of the cochlear blood flow.

Furthermore, causes of SHL differ depending on age. This factor should be considered, along with a careful examination of the individual’s history. For example otosclerosis, chronic suppurative ear disease, previous trauma, history of ototoxic drug treatment or genetic causes may be signs of early hearing loss. Thorough examination may confirm earwax build-up or eardrum perforation, middle ear effusion, and presence of a foreign body or acute infection.

Some of the major causes of hearing loss are associated with aging, childhood effusions, noise-induced hearing loss and infections. Hearing loss affects one in seven people in the UK. It becomes more prevalent as the senior population increases; however, some patients still seem reluctant to address their problem in time.

Possible causes of sudden hearing loss

Earwax

The most common and reversible cause of sudden hearing loss is earwax (which is a common problem for elderly people, a frequent cause of hearing loss, as well as of hearing aid malfunction). The solution may be as simple as a removal of the cerumen. Prior to wax removal, the doctor must be informed about any cases of eardrum perforation or recent ear surgery. In such situations, the earwax should not be removed by applying irrigation.

Excess fluid

Deviations in air pressure may result in malfunctioning eustachian tubes. They typically let air enter the middle ear to balance pressure. When the tubes do not work correctly, fluid can accumulate and obstruct sound vibrations from getting into the inner ear, which leads to a decreased ability to hear in the affected ear.

Infections

Some viruses cause infections in the hearing nerve or the inner ear. In cases where SHL is a result of an infection of the inner ear, early treatment with antiviral medication and steroids will enhance the chance of recovery.

Damage to bones

If the bones located in the middle ear lose contact with each other or become frozen in place, sudden hearing loss is likely to occur. This can result from certain diseases or infections.

Artery blockage

Blood is supplied to the inner ear by a single, small artery. Sudden hearing loss will occur if the artery becomes blocked. The cause of artery blockage may be the collection of plaques. Patients with a high blood pressure and diabetics are at higher risk. It is possible for hearing to improve spontaneously, however additional treatment doubles the chances of recovery.

Aging

Age-related hearing loss happens progressively. This has no effect on the conduction of sound waves and is simply a result of aging cells.

Hearing loss of all types affects both communication and quality of life. Hearing aids have a positive effect on everyday activities and social independence. Therefore, treatment effects extend beyond communication.

Reduced hearing in elderly people happens in both ears and affects many over 60 years of age, which makes it the most common condition to affect those over 65.

The best way to bring up hearing loss

Before openly bringing up hearing loss with an elderly parent, learning to gain emotional control is essential. People often do not feel prepared to discuss the diagnosis and struggle with knowing when, as well as how, to effectively address the situation within the family.

Just as time is taken to grasp the information and adjust to the impact, the person concerned may also need ample time to fully understand the ramifications of having a hearing loss. Keeping a positive attitude during difficult times will help them focus on what is possible and maintain motivation to seek help. The simple act of listening can help develop an understanding of how the condition affects them individually - whilst there is some commonalities between experiences, we all interpret them in our own way. The key to bringing up the subject of hearing loss with an elderly parent is to do so by suggesting and identifying those parts of their lives that are subtly changing because of their hearing loss and how those need not be the case if the problem is addressed. Often these situations include a slow decline in participation in social environments and conversations and a gradual withdrawal from attendance due to difficulties encountered.  Another key is to try and address the likely reticence to acknowledge the problem which is often driven by a perception that the condition is a sign of ageing and in particular that it really only affects the very old. In fact, the on-set of hearing loss is very similar in degree and rate as the on-set of fading sight and the need for reading glasses; which is not perceived in the same way at all. The final part of the jigsaw is to obtain some independent and scientific opinion in the form of a hearing test to define the degree or presence of hearing loss.

Hearing test

Precise determination of the level of hearing loss requires an audiometric evaluation by an accredited hearing specialist, called an audiologist. There are various types of tests including bone conduction, recruitment of loudness, screening, speech discrimination, objective audiometry and clinical audiometry.

The audiogram is a painless, simple test that takes about 20 or 30 minutes. The audiologist plays tones at different volumes to find the patients’ speech reception threshold. Consequently, the patients are tested with a series of words with similar sounds to measure their speech discrimination.

The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (now Action on Hearing Loss) provides telephone hearing tests, which support the deaf and hearing impaired. Callers who take the test have to provide their age and gender, before being asked to identify a series of numbers through various sounds. They will then be told whether they should consult their GP for a test by a healthcare professional.

And if a hearing loss is detected then there is help at hand….

Aids from Hearing Direct to help

Hearingdirect.com is the world’s largest online hearing superstore that provides hearing aids for hard of hearing people.

Hearing Directs digital hearing aids are intended to precisely amplify sounds and deliver them to the ear. The home delivery process allows for a great product to be made at an affordable price. The hearing aids have an easily accessible battery and are small, as well as lightweight enough to hide behind the ear. They provide high quality audio so that the sounds and conversations are easily heard and understood.

The products have a pre-programmed amplification aiding mild to moderate hearing loss. As the amplification is similar through the product range, the selection can be made on the individual’s preferences in colour, design, style, features, battery life, additional buttons and volume controls. Comprehensive details on all products can be found on the website.

Image by wikimedia under cc license.

One of the most important characteristics of any nation is its demographic profile. It actively affects many aspects of the public life, as well as influences the different branches of the country’s manufacturing. At present, people in the age group above 65 in the UK number more than 10 million. Future predictions are that this number will continue to grow with constantly accelerating rates and by around 2050, this age group will reach nearly 20 million people. 

The statistics have already been considered by some of the major companies operating in the market for hearing aids and assistive listening devices. The increasing number of elderly people has led to the production of different types of devices, which are specifically designed to help them communicate easily and improve their social life. For example, in contrast to telephones and mobile phones, which can be quite complex and offer highly varied features aimed at the younger generation, the devices that are targeted at the elderly are mainly characterised by simplicity, easiness and usability. Besides problems with hearing, those over 65 often experience decreased finger mobility and eye sight deterioration. Many of these age characteristics have been addressed in the production of some of the latest phones for elderly people, which are available at Hearing Direct.

One of the biggest advantages of the Geemarc Dallas 10 Big Button Desk Telephone is the extra-large buttons as well as the bright visual ringer indicator, which make it really ease to use. The ringer volume can be adjusted to up to 15dB and this package of convenient features also comes at a very attractive price. An alternative to the desk phone in the same price range, for those who prefer a wall mountable type of phone, is the Geemarc CL10 Big Button Phone.

Another interesting product from Geemarc is the PhotoPhone 100 Photo ID Amplified Telephone, which is easy to install and program and benefits from its unique ergonomic design. The phone features not only easy to press large dialling buttons, but also 8 “photo” ID memory buttons. They can be further customised with the photos of close family members and when the phone is programmed with the frequently used phone numbers, the dialling process becomes even simpler.  The phone also features 3 one touch memory buttons, extra clear characters for further contrast, an amplification of up to 30dB and a handsfree speakerphone.

When it comes to mobile phones, one of the most recommended ones in our catalogue is the Doro PhoneEasy 338 GSM Mobile Phone. It is really simple and specifically designed to be easy to operate and make the calling/receiving process quick and trouble free.  Some of the helpful features that are worth mentioning include – a backlit keypad, a simple menu navigation, a dial up safety alarm and a speed dial function for 3 numbers. The phone can be further simplified through a feature that allows the user to hide the functions they do not use.

The Amplicom PowerTel M6200 GSM Mobile Phone is a mobile phone that offers an excellent set of features at a very competitive price. Nothing about this phone is complicated or confusing. It offers an LCD colour display with a large font size, an SOS call button, a vibration alert, Caller ID, easy to dial big buttons and extra amplification.

When it comes to hearing loss, substantial attention is given to the possible methods of preventing the condition from occurring before any worrying symptoms or complications. However, due to modern ways of life and an increasingly aging population, the likelihood is that a greater number of people will suffer from hearing impairment every year.

Depending on the type and degree of a diagnosed hearing loss, the use of a hearing aid may be recommended alongside changes in your lifestyle. In addition, it is important to be aware of the possible ways to prevent compromising hearing yet further.

First, you should seek a detailed explanation of your hearing audiogram from your audiologist, so that you know the type of hearing loss you suffer from, the reasons behind it and its current levels and peculiarities. This should then be supported by regular checks to ensure that any changes in the condition are accounted for. It is also advisable to keep a full and detailed record of the complaints and symptoms. Furthermore, you can try to adopt some of the following healthy practices in your everyday life:

• Constantly follow the levels of noise you have to endure and if necessary wear appropriate protection, such as earplugs. Increasing the volume of the TV may probably help you hear a little bit better for the time being but in the long term may worsen your hearing.Make sure your hearing aid is correctly adjusted. If you experience any discomfort and sounds seem too loud, contact your hearing aid specialist in order to guarantee that your device does not amplify them more than necessary.

• Wearing your hearing aid every day and not just on special occasions may also help you fight hearing loss progression. With the hearing aid, your ears will have to process a greater number and variety of sounds, which will stimulate them to stay active along with maintaining auditory nerve and brain activity.

• If you use any medications, it is advisable to notify your audiologist to check whether they are ototoxic. In some cases their use might be a cause for hearing loss or its progression, your doctor will decide if it is necessary to redirect you to a relevant health specialist who can prescribe an alternative considering your hearing problems

• Maintain good ear hygiene, especially if you wear a hearing aid. Its use might cause irritation and swelling of the outer ear and the ear canal.  The excessive formation of earwax can also aggravate the condition because it may prevent the sound waves from being transmitted properly.

• Following a healthy regime and diet may also be beneficial for your hearing, as it will decrease your chances of suffering from diseases that are known to cause hearing loss, for example diabetes. Smoking, along with its other detrimental health effects, is also known to be related to hearing problems and their progression.

The Hard of hearing can benefit from a number of different ways to improve their abilities to communicate and interact with other people. Undoubtedly, the most popular and effective one of them is using a hearing aid. Although it does not actually provide a cure or treat the condition, it can significantly improve your social life, self-confidence and general physical and emotional state.

Considering all its benefits, it is still important to note that hearing aid users should be aware of additional ways to successfully communicate with other people, so that they feel more confident. Being able to effectively manage a situation even without the assistance of the device in cases of accidental breakdown, battery exhaustion or if the listening environment is too difficult to handle just with the help of the hearing aid, remains an important skill for someone with hearing loss to master. Hearing aid users, especially those whose hearing loss is severe to profound, may feel quite isolated if they are left without their listening device for even short periods of time. In such cases, the following communication tips can be quite useful:

Stand face to face with the person you are speaking with. This will not only increase your chances to hear what they are saying, but will also help you gather useful bits of information by observing their mimics and gestures. If necessary, ask the person to speak more clearly and slowly or to repeat or try to rephrase any words you cannot understand.

Even if you hear someone’s voice, this does not guarantee that you will be able to properly understand his or her words. In this case, lip reading can be of great help. It might take some time to successfully learn, so it is advisable to practice with your family at home or try to watch a movie with subtitles without the assistance of your hearing aid, while deliberately being attentive to the way the actors move their lips.

Make sure that the conversation takes place in a quiet environment, with as fewer distractions as possible. Choose a seat you will be most comfortable with and that will allow you to clearly see the face of the person with whom you are talking this will help you feel more relaxed and confident and focus on the conversation only.

In cases where you have to follow a conversation between several people, ask them to speak one person at a time.

Knowing the topic of the conversation in advance will help you feel better prepared and will increase the chances of catching the gist of the conversation even if you do not manage to understand all the words.
Ensure the person with whom you are speaking is aware that you have some listening difficulties without your hearing aids and ask them to try and take this into account during the conversation.

Using cotton swabs is probably the most popular way to clean your ears and remove excessive amounts of earwax. It is a cheap and time saving method, which is therefore preferred by the majority of people. However, it is important to be aware that cotton swabs can cause specific problems with ears and are actually not recommended by health care professionals. In fact, your doctor will probably not advise you to place any objects deep inside your ear in order to clean it.

The two most common problems related to the use of cotton swabs are:

- Eardrum perforation
- Impacted earwax

The eardrum is very delicate and it is quite likely to tear or damage it if you try to put the cotton swab too deep into the ear canal, even if you do not apply great force. Furthermore, cotton swabs can simply push the debris and cerumen (ear wax) to the back of the ear canal, where it may thicken easily, instead of removing them from the ear as intended. If the condition is not treated, it may lead to partial hearing loss. On the other hand, if the ear canal is too thoroughly cleaned and lacks earwax, it may become more vulnerable to infections and bacteria. The cerumen will naturally escape out of the ear, therefore it is actually more important to clean its outer parts in order to maintain good hygiene. It is possible to use cotton swabs for this purpose, as long as you do not touch the ear canal. Usually it is enough to clean it gently with a soft cloth slightly moisturized with warm water or a skin relief solution.

In cases where your ear produces more earwax than necessary, which may lead to problems with the hearing, it is advisable to look for cotton swab alternatives to guarantee that the excessive cerumen is removed in a safe way. A good practice is to consult with a hearing specialist who can recommend the most effective way to maintain good ear hygiene. The health care industry also offers a variety of methods and products that are convenient to use.

Using an ear syringe with a suitable cleaning solution is one of the effective ways to clean the ear canal from the accumulated cerumen and dirt. There are different models available and as the process of cleaning is not particularly pleasant, it is important to choose a product that you feel comfortable using. Aculife Ear Wax Removal Syringe for example, is considered to be better than the standard rubber bulb syringes due to its patented doctor’s design and controlled fluid drain.

Another alternative cleaning device is Audiclean Cleansing Ear Wash, whose main aim is to delicately clean the ear canal, to prevent earwax build-up and to have a long lasting refreshing effect. The design of the nozzle and the produced circular spray do not come in contact with the eardrum, which minimizes the chances of complications.

Hearing loss is a condition that affects millions of people around the world and their number continues to grow every year. Many various reasons such as age, way of life, working environment, and continuous exposure to high levels of noise, specific medication intake as well as many diseases can trigger it. Recently, some scientists have discovered that hearing loss and diabetes may be related. Further investigation on the matter is necessary, but the results of several studies propose that some of those suffering from the disease may also experience symptoms of hearing impairment.

Diabetes is characterised by abnormally high levels of blood sugar and symptoms such as a strong irrational feeling of hunger, unquenchable thirst, frequent urination and fatigue, etc. It is one of the diseases of the century, reaching alarmingly increasing levels and in the long term can lead to serious health complications – an increased risk of heart attacks, high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, nerve damage, kidney diseases and failure, deteriorated eye sight and blindness, etc. Different scientists suggest that diabetes may also harm the nerves and blood vessels situated in the inner ear and in this way lead to hearing loss.

In 2008, the U.S. National Institute of Health conducted several research studies on the matter that included analysing hearing tests and diabetes related questionnaires of 11 405 participants, aged between 20 and 69. Along with those already diagnosed with diabetes, those people with a pre-diabetic condition also took part. The final results suggested that people suffering from diabetes are twice as likely to experience hearing loss than those with normal levels of blood sugar.

In 2012, the results of another detailed survey, conducted by Japanese scientists, were published and again revived the discussion concerning diabetes and hearing impairment. The survey combined, examined and classified the data from 13 studies, which included a total of 20 194 participants. The overall conclusion of the survey supported the assertion that hearing loss may be more common with people suffering from diabetes, compared to non-diabetics, regardless of their age.

Both studies suggest that diabetes and hearing loss might be correlated, although this is not yet considered a proven statement. Considering the fact that the disease may indeed damage many of the body’s vital organs after a certain number of years, the possibility that it may also lead to a certain level of hearing impairment does not seem unlikely. Good practice for diabetes patients, including pre-diabetics, would be to visit an audiologist for a routine screening once a year if possible, in order to check for any unfavourable changes in their hearing. Another useful habit would be to simply watch out for symptoms, indicating that the hearing abilities are impaired. In cases of any suspicion of hearing loss, it is advisable to inform your GP as soon as possible.

When it comes to the design and production of telephones and mobile phones suited to the specific needs of the hearing and sight impaired, Amplicomms is, without a doubt, one of the most reputable manufacturers on the market. The company started its work more than 20 years ago and has been constantly striving to offer its customers innovative and progressive products and set high quality standards since.

Amplicomms PowerTel range, in particular, is one of the most successful on the market and the variety of devices included in it offer an impressive combination of features beneficial for the hard of hearing. The PowerTel technology stands for simplicity, user friendly design, extra loud ringing tones and hearing aid compatibility. All Hearing Direct customers can find PowerTel mobile phones, cordless and non-cordless telephones covering an extensive price range, on our website.

The Amplicom PowerTel M6500 GSM Mobile Phone will appeal to all looking for extra amplification, which can reach an impressive 40dB. The device is hearing aid compatible and also features a talking Caller ID (10 numbers) and keypad, 8 speed dialing keys, 3 direct memories, a phonebook that can memorise up to 500 names and numbers, an emergency call button and Bluetooth connectivity to computers, induction loops, etc.

Customers looking for a mobile phone that offers both a quality set of features and a stylish, classy design will appreciate the Amplicom PowerTel M7000 Clam Shell Loud Mobile Phone. It features all of the above mentioned M6500’s advantages and functionalities, including the 40dB volume amplification (the corresponding distortion is less than 5%).

The Amplicom PowerTel 50 Plus Alarm and Amplified Desk Phone is an excellent value for money product that combines a convenient and beneficial set of features. It is easy to use due to its large buttons, a back lit keypad and large display, a visual flashing LED for incoming calls and 3 programmable emergency numbers. The phone can be used with hearing aids and will be a great asset even to people with severe hearing loss due to its extra loud ringer (up to 90dB) and the possibility to increase the receiving volume to up to 40dB by pressing an easily accessible boost volume button. An interesting and useful feature is the water resistant wireless pendant alarm, which can be worn around the wrist or neck.

The Amplicom PowerTel 700 Cordless Telephone impresses with its exceptional characteristics when it comes to amplification and clarity of sound. The volume can be increased to up to 40dB and even when the amplification is at its maximum level, the corresponding distortion is less than 1.5%. The ringer volume, on the other hand, can be increased up to a significant 90dB. The phone can be individually programmed for a number of users, who can set and memorize their preferences for volume and tone levels. Some of the other useful features include an automatic high frequency boost, a handsfree speakerphone, a visual alert for incoming calls and a bright back lit display.

The hard of hearing community faces many challenges on a daily basis, often frustrated by once common and simple day today activities such as communication, socialising and even using the telephone. Fortunately, with technological progress a substantial number of these difficulties can be overcome. The innovation of hearing aids and their constant improvement in terms of quality, features and design has helped people with hearing problems to enjoy pastimes and perform well in the work environment without additional assistance. Moreover, the widespread introduction of assistive listening devices, amplified phones, text phones and smartphones have helped immensely in making the life of hearing impaired people as easy as possible.

Although in many instances, problems with hearing are most common among the elderly, more people with hearing loss, regardless of age, have adopted modern ways of socialising and communicating with the outside world. The use of smartphones has not only offered more possibilities for online activities but also an easy access to a range of useful applications suitable for the hard of hearing. Below you can find a list of selected iPhone applications of help to the hearing impaired:

Dragon Dictation. This is a free application that translates voice into text. It is very helpful when the user has difficulty understanding spoken speech as the app automatically provides transcription.

SoundAMP. This inexpensive application is one of the most used and popular tools for those with hearing loss. It amplifies sounds by using the microphone of the smartphone. There are different settings that allow amplification of specific frequencies as well as recording and playback.

Siemens Hearing Test. The hearing test is developed by Siemens in order to help test the hearing abilities in the presence of background noise. The user receives a final score after completing the nine available tests. While it is not enough to provide a diagnostic test, the app can be used to track the condition or determine whether it would be advisable to visit a professional audiologist.

Tap Tap. The application serves as an alert and picks up loud noises such as gunshots, screams, fire alarms, doorbells, etc. It then informs the user of the impeding danger or alarm with a vibration and flashing. This app can be of a great help for those with severe hearing loss as it is aimed at keeping them aware of possible threats or situations requiring their attention.

An Introduction to British Sign Language. This application can be very useful for those who need or want to learn the basics of British Sign Language. It puts emphasis on the alphabet, greetings, colours and numbers.

Z5 Mobile. This free application provides point-to-point calls from/to a videophone. It can also be used for receiving and making calls via video relay service supported by highly qualified interpreters. Additional functionalities are a digital whiteboard, video mail, HolaVRS and VCO Plus.

Hearing loss is a problem affecting millions of people in different age groups and occupations. Modern technology seeks various ways to alleviate the frustration of those suffering from the condition and offer them options for coping with challenging situations or simply help them improve their lifestyle. Hearing aids and assistive listening devices that provide multiple features, including possibilities for customisation, environment settings or speech and music appreciation are therefore a popular choice and a focus for many manufacturers. A recent study by Action on Hearing Loss that is expected to be finalised in June 2013 is concerned mainly with the issue of combining hearing aids with a better music experience and possible ways to achieve that via extensive technological research and feedback.

Thankfully, enjoying music in all its forms is no longer the sole preserve of those with perfect hearing. Most contemporary hearing aids offer a sound environment, which is as natural as possible, and produce sounds that are clear and noise free. More recently, close attention has been paid to features designed to improve listening to music, watching TV and other environments where sound appreciation is valued.

Although not every hearing aid is designed with music appreciation in mind (many are primarily focused on improving speech understanding in background noise), a wide range of suitable products to help with music appreciation is available.  

A recommended hearing aid with a special feature for music is the Persona Ole digital hearing aid. It is a very small CIC device that offers the comfort of the open fit technology, suppresses background noise and is specifically developed to improve listening to music. Another popular hearing aid for the ultimate music experience is the ReSound Alera 5 TS. It is available as a BTE and RIE and can be wirelessly connected to different devices so that the user can also better hear the TV or over the phone.

For listening to the TV, CD players and MP3/MP4 players, wireless TV listeners represent a great option for those with hearing impairment. A good choice is the Amplicom TV 150, which can amplify sounds from different entertainment units and can be used independently to hearing aids. It offers CD quality stereo sound and noise reduction features so the wearer can enjoy crisp and clear sound. It’s very powerful transmitter covers a range of 1225 sq. feet so you can listen freely while moving around. It has an automatic volume control as well as an adjustable tone control.

Another superb product is the Amplicom TV 2400. It can deliver high quality CD stereo sound with amplification up to 120dB. This TV listener features adjustable volume, tone and balance control to fully match fully personal preferences. Due to its 2.4 GHz Digital UHF Transmission, it guarantees an equal strength of the signal even through, walls, floors and ceilings. Both Amplicom devices are rechargeable, wireless and lightweight.