What is hearing loss?

The threshold for normal hearing is 0-20 dB (HL), at threshold 60-70 dB (HL) you cannot hear normal speech and at threshold above 90-100 dB (HL) you cannot hear loud shouts.

Hearing loss is categorized by cause:

• Conductive/mechanical hearing loss
  Due to mechanical failure of the transmission to the inner ear
• Neurogenic hearing loss
  Caused by cochlear or retrocochlear failure – often qualitatively damaged (speech understanding)
• Banded hearing loss
  Is a combination of the above
  Hearing loss can be congenital or acquired

Occurrence

• Approximately 20-30 people per 1000 patients per year seek medical attention for hearing loss
• Most people have temporary hearing loss as a result of earwax or colds
• Permanent hearing loss is more often due to noise-induced damage than to outer or inner ear disease
• Incidence of hearing loss increases with age
• The prevalence of hearing impairment is about 0.8% among men 18-24 years
• The prevalence of hearing loss is approximately 18% among men aged 75-79

What could be the reason?

• Acute otitis media
• Barotrauma
• Earwax
• Otosclerosis
• Age-related hearing impairment
• Foreign body in the ear canal
• Noise damage
• Meniere’s disease
• Tumor on the auditory nerve
• Other reason

Who can help you?

One of our ear, nose and throat specialists will be able to perform a satisfactory examination in order to make the correct diagnosis and start appropriate treatment.

We have standardized procedures as well as access to state-of-the-art equipment to ensure our patients are thoroughly and quickly assessed.