Learn about the types of hearing loss and when a hearing implant may help. We assess adults with all types of hearing loss across Sydney and regional NSW.
Hearing Conditions
The Significant Impact of Changing Hearing
Though there are many causes of hearing deterioration, the impact on communication is always significant. Whether hearing changes suddenly or gradually, hearing impairment impacts the ability to communicate with partners, socialise with family and friends, and function in the workplace. Many people change their behaviour as listening becomes more difficult, even withdrawing from social situations. There may even be a threat to employment.
Hearing loss also has the hidden and unspoken impact on self-esteem as a person loses the ability to confidently and reliably function in daily life. The impact of sudden hearing loss is even greater, with less time for adjustment and often a raw grieving process.
Hearing Loss Does Not Discriminate
It occurs across all ages and for a constellation of reasons, manifesting in different ways.
- Progressive hearing loss – For some people hearing loss occurs progressively over decades as a result of aging as is seen in rapidly progressive presbycusis.
- Stepwise hearing loss – For other people the decline occurs in a stepwise fashion as a result of years of ear disease or even the surgery necessary to control it. This is experienced by patients suffering from years of chronic mastoid disease, Meniere’s disease, failed stapes surgery for otosclerosis and in the context of acoustic neuroma surgery. Many patients have been told nothing can be done to improve their hearing. This may no longer be the case.
- Sudden hearing loss – In other people, hearing loss occurs suddenly without warning. Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, accidental trauma or barotrauma can within seconds result in total cochlear hearing loss that fails to recover. If you experience sudden hearing loss, see your GP or go to an emergency department as soon as possible. Early treatment matters.
Cochlear Implant Criteria is Constantly Evolving: Whatever the cause, a hearing implant may be an option when hearing aids are no longer enough. You may still be a candidate even if you have:
Whatever the cause of hearing loss, in most cases a cochlear implant or another implantable hearing device is suitable when a hearing aid is no longer adequate or appropriate. A hearing implant is likely to be suitable, even in the context of:
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longstanding hearing loss
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protracted ear disease or
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previous ear surgery
Implant technology and candidacy criteria have changed a lot, and continue to evolve. If you were told in the past that nothing could be done, it may be worth being assessed again.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can present itself in various ways, and early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Common symptoms include:
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Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
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Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
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Needing to increase the volume on electronic devices
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Feeling isolated or avoiding social situations due to hearing difficulties
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Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional evaluation to determine the type and extent of hearing loss.
Types of Hearing Loss
Understanding your type of hearing loss is the first step to finding the right solution. Our audiologists assess your hearing in detail and explain your options, including cochlear and bone conduction implants.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs due to damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss is often permanent and may result from aging, exposure to loud noise, infections, or genetic factors.
For those with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss, cochlear implants may provide a powerful solution, restoring the ability to hear and understand speech.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss happens when sound waves are unable to reach the inner ear due to blockages or damage to the outer or middle ear. Common causes include ear infections, earwax buildup, or fluid in the middle ear.
Treatment options often include medical intervention or hearing aids, but in some cases, bone conduction implants may be a more effective solution.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. This means there is damage to both the inner ear and the outer or middle ear, complicating treatment options.
We offer a variety of solutions tailored to each individual’s needs, including cochlear implants and bone conduction devices to address both aspects of the condition.
Single-Sided Deafness
SSD refers to total or near-total hearing loss in one ear, while the other ear has normal hearing. This can lead to difficulty in localising sounds and understanding speech in noisy environments.
Solutions like cochlear implants and bone conduction implants can help individuals with SSD regain balanced hearing and improve speech recognition.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Hearing Conditions
At Hearing Implants Australia, we begin with a comprehensive hearing assessment conducted by experienced audiologists. This includes a detailed hearing test and evaluation of medical history to determine the type and severity of your hearing loss. Once diagnosed, we develop a personalized treatment plan that may include hearing aids, cochlear implants, bone conduction implants, or other advanced hearing solutions.
Our team will guide you through the entire process—from initial diagnosis to ongoing care—and support you at every stage of your care.
Why Choose
Hearing Implants Australia?
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common causes of hearing loss
Hearing loss can result from various factors, including aging, prolonged exposure to loud noises, ear infections, injuries, genetic conditions, and certain medications. It’s important to get a hearing assessment to determine the underlying cause.
How can I tell if I have hearing loss?
Common signs of hearing loss include difficulty understanding speech, asking others to repeat themselves, needing to increase the volume on devices, and struggling to hear in noisy environments. A professional hearing test can provide a clear diagnosis.
What treatments are available for hearing loss?
Treatments depend on the type and severity of hearing loss. Options include hearing aids, cochlear implants, bone conduction implants, medical treatment, and surgery. At Hearing Implants Australia, we provide personalized solutions based on your specific needs.
What is a cochlear implant, and how does it work?
A cochlear implant is an electronic device that bypasses damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve, allowing individuals with severe hearing loss to hear sounds and understand speech more clearly.
What is the difference between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss?
Conductive hearing loss is caused by problems in the outer or middle ear that block sound from reaching the inner ear, while sensorineural hearing loss occurs due to damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve.
Do you see children?
We see adults aged 18 and over. If your child has hearing loss, your GP or audiologist can refer you to a paediatric hearing implant program.
How can Hearing Implants Australia help with hearing loss?
We offer comprehensive evaluations to diagnose your hearing condition and provide advanced hearing solutions, including cochlear and bone conduction implants, personalised care, and ongoing support to improve your hearing and quality of life.
Get in touch
Whether you’re a patient, GP or health professional, our team is here to help. Contact us to make a referral, ask about hearing implants, or learn more about our services.
Referring a patient? Send referrals by email to [email protected]. Please include recent audiology results where available.
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