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Hearing Conditions

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.

Audiologist discussing types of hearing loss with a patient

How hearing loss affects daily life

Hearing loss affects more than your ears. It can make conversations tiring, social events stressful and work harder. Many people start avoiding situations they used to enjoy.

Sudden hearing loss can be especially hard, as there’s little time to adjust.

How hearing loss occurs

Gradual

Hearing slowly gets worse over many years, often with age.

Stepwise

Hearing drops in stages, often because of long-term ear disease, such as chronic ear infections or Ménière’s disease, or after ear surgery.

Sudden

Hearing is lost within hours or days, often with no clear cause. If this happens to you, see your GP or go to an emergency department as soon as possible. Early treatment matters.

Could a hearing implant help?

A hearing implant may be an option when hearing aids are no longer enough. You may still be a candidate if you have:

  • Long-standing hearing loss
  • Long-term ear disease
  • 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.

Book an Assessment

Signs of hearing loss

Common signs include:

  • Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
  • Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
  • Needing to increase the volume on electronic devices
  • Feeling isolated or avoiding social situations due to hearing difficulties
  • Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)

If you notice any of these signs, a hearing assessment can show the type and degree of your 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.

Audiologist fitting a cochlear implant processor

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. It may be caused by ageing, loud noise, infections or genetics.

For severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss, a cochlear implant may help when hearing aids are no longer enough.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss happens when sound can’t reach the inner ear. This is due to a blockage or damage in the outer or middle ear.

Treatment may include medical care or hearing aids. In some cases, a bone conduction implant may be a better option, especially if you can’t wear hearing aids.

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.

Depending on your hearing, options may include hearing aids, bone conduction implants or cochlear implants.

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.

Cochlear implants and bone conduction implants are both options for SSD. They may help with hearing in noise and awareness of sound on the deaf side.

Why Choose
Hearing Implants Australia?

Specialist Implant Audiologists

Our audiologists specialise in hearing implants and work closely with your ENT surgeon at every step.

Comprehensive Solutions

We provide a wide range of implantable and non-implantable hearing solutions tailored to individual needs, offering custom treatment plans for long-term hearing success.

Ongoing Support

From diagnosis to post-treatment care, we are committed to supporting you throughout your hearing journey with continuous guidance, follow-ups, and rehabilitation services.

Current Technology

We work with all major implant manufacturers, so your options are based on your needs, not one brand, and evidence-based best practice.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common causes of hearing loss?

Common causes include ageing, loud noise, ear infections, injuries, genetics and some medications. It’s important to get a hearing assessment to determine the underlying cause.

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 the difference between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss?

Conductive hearing loss is caused by problems in the outer or middle ear that block sound. Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear or hearing 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 assess your hearing and explain your options. We provide cochlear implants, bone conduction implants, hearing aids and balance assessments, with ongoing care across Sydney and regional NSW.

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.

  • Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm

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