Your Hearing

The Gateway to Better Communication

Hearing is Precious

When we lose our hearing, we lose the ability to keep in touch with our family, friends and the wider world. Hearing helps us remain connected to people and the world around us. Hearing is precious. Hearing matters. Make sure your hearing is as good as it can be!

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How well do you really hear?

  • Do you find TV hard to understand; are you constantly being told to turn the volume down?
  • Do you feel like people mumble, particularly in noisy situations?
  • Do you struggle to have a conversation when out shopping, in a meeting, cafe or restaurant?
  • Are you tired from concentrating to hear and participating in conversations?
  • Have your family or friends commented about your hearing and suggested you get a hearing test?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any or all of the questions above, or you feel like you don’t hear as well as you once did, you may have lost some hearing. Call Alpha Hearing today for a hearing health check, and we can work together to make life sound better.

Understanding How Hearing Works

Hearing is a complex process that involves the intricate interplay of our ears, auditory nerves, and brain. Sound waves enter our outer ear, pass through the ear canal, and reach the eardrum. The eardrum vibrates, setting off a chain reaction that amplifies and transforms sound energy into electrical signals. These signals travel through the auditory nerve to the brain, where they are interpreted as meaningful sounds.

Common types of hearing loss

There are three types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive and mixed.

Sensorineural Loss

A sensorineural loss is a permanent hearing loss. It is commonly referred to as ‘nerve deafness’ and occurs when the sensitive hair cells inside the inner ear (the cochlea) get damaged and no longer respond effectively to sound. Common causes of sensorineural loss include the natural ageing process (presbycusis), excessive noise exposure, head trauma as well as some disease processes. With sensorineural loss, since it’s the actual hearing cells that have been damaged, there is no medical or surgical treatment available. That’s why sensorineural hearing loss is permanent.

Conductive Hearing Loss

A conductive hearing loss may be curable or permanent. Conductive refers to the fact the sound is not being transferred, or sent through, the outer or middle ear correctly on its way into the inner ear. Typical causes of conductive hearing loss include ear wax blockage in the ear canal, eustachian tube dysfunction, fluid in the middle ear from an ear infection, ear drum perforation and otosclerosis (a deformation of the ear bones in the middle ear).

Mixed Hearing Loss

A mixed hearing loss occurs when a person has both a conductive and sensorineural hearing loss in the same ear at the same time. When we detect mixed hearing loss, your GP and/or an ENT Specialist will be closely involved in the treatment plan along with us.

Why Good Hearing Matters

Good hearing plays a fundamental role in our daily lives, enabling us to engage in conversations, enjoy music, and be aware of our surroundings. It enriches our experiences, enhances our relationships, and contributes to our overall mental and emotional well-being. From communicating effectively at work to connecting with loved ones, our ability to hear affects every aspect of our lives.

While all our senses are crucial, hearing holds a unique significance. It allows us to absorb information from our environment, understand spoken language, and engage in social interactions. Hearing acts as a vital anchor, guiding our other senses and shaping our perception of the world. It forms the bedrock of our cognitive development, educational achievements, interpersonal relationships and personal growth.

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Woman with hand to ear trying to hear

The Impact of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can have a profound impact on an individual’s life. It can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, loneliness and decreased self-esteem. Communication difficulties may arise, making it challenging to participate fully in conversations, social gatherings, and professional settings. It’s hard to feel grounded and alert when we lose our sense of hearing. That’s why untreated hearing loss can greatly contribute to cognitive decline, depression, and an increased risk of falls and accidents.

Negative Factors Associated with Untreated Hearing Loss

Living with untreated hearing loss comes with various negative factors that affect both personal and professional aspects of life. Some key challenges include:

Communication Struggles

Difficulty understanding conversations, leading to misunderstandings, frustration, and social withdrawal.

Reduced Quality of Life

Hearing loss can limit participation in activities, hobbies, and events, leading to a decreased sense of fulfillment and enjoyment.

Impact on Relationships

Miscommunication and difficulty engaging in meaningful conversations may strain personal relationships and isolate individuals from their loved ones.

Career Implications

Untreated hearing loss can hinder professional growth, affecting job performance, communication with colleagues and clients, and overall career advancement.

Learning Implications

Untreated hearing loss can greatly impact our ability to learn, concentrate on tasks and retain or recall information. This can challenge children in classrooms and adults in boardrooms.
At Alpha Hearing, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live life to the fullest, with the ability to hear and connect with the world around them. Our job is to support you with your ongoing hearing health and well-being. Join us on this journey towards better hearing, enhanced communication, and a more connected life. Contact us today to explore how we can help you or your loved ones regain the joy of hearing.
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