Most people over the age of 60 start to experience some hearing loss.
However hearing loss doesn't just affect pensioners, it also affects many young adults, and even children.
This problem has become more apparent in recent times because the modern world just keeps getting louder.
If you suffer from hearing loss, then it's important to get yourself tested so you can start your treatment as soon as possible.
There is no real cure for hearing loss, only really prevention, however you can learn to cope with your hearing loss.
How can I treat hearing loss? There are many different types of hearing loss, and so there are also many different treatments available for it, the cause of your hearing aid determines which type of treatment would be best suited to you.
If you are suffering from temporary hearing loss: Temporary hearing loss can be caused by infections, blockages, damage, and even diseases.
These can all be cured.
If it is caused by an ear infection then this will often clear up by itself, however you might want to get some antibiotics from your doctor to speed up the process.
If your hearing loss is caused by blockages then your doctor will be able to remove the blockages, your local GP can do this, you don't have to go to a specialist.
Often the earwax is removed with a special machine, there are also a number of solutions you can buy over the counter to remove ear wax.
If your ear is injured then you will probably need surgery.
While you are recovering the hearing devices may be a help.
Hearing Aids Most forms of hearing loss can be treatedeffectively with a hearing aid, these all work by amplifying sounds and then transmitting this sound further inside the ear.
There are lots of different hearing aids to choose from, there are so many that you may struggle to see the wood for the trees! You should see your audiologist to get some advice about which one would suit you best.
Permanent hearing loss cannot be cured, however the new hearing aids are very effective and provide many new features to help the user return to as normal a life as possible.
Hearing aids are by no means cheap.
Lots of people that are in need of hearing aids don't wear them simply because they are too expensive.
Surely being able to hear clearly again is worth the cost? Cochlear Implants If your hearing loss is very severe then hearing aids may be no longer effective, in this case a cochlear implant could be considered.
This is where a device is implanted inside you, it is located in the auditory nerve, this transmits electronic signals which are converted into sound.
The sound produced from a cochlear implant is not perfect, it often sounds very electronic, but it can be a help if nothing else is working.
It's important to go and see your doctor as soon as possible, the sooner you get diagnosed, the sooner you can hear again!