Your Hearing Is More Delicate Than You Know

Some of our blog readers are people investigating digital hearing aids for older loved ones. It is that group of individuals we want to address in this post by stating the following: your hearing is more delicate than you know. So many things can affect hearing over a person’s lifetime that it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly why certain individuals suffer hearing loss while others do not.

As one example, did you know that a recent study reported by the Daily Mail and echoed by the NHS indicates that long-term use of certain over-the-counter painkillers can contribute to hearing loss in women? Indeed, the study found a link between long-term use of paracetamol or ibuprofen and hearing loss.

Researchers discovered that women who used NSAIDs at least twice per week for 12 months or longer had a higher risk of hearing loss compared to those who didn’t use the painkillers quite as often. Furthermore, the risk of hearing loss increased with the length of time subjects used the drugs.

What is not clear is the cause-and-effect. One possible explanation is that certain NSAID drugs can damage multiple components of the ear including its protective layer and the tiny hairs that vibrate when sound waves are present. Researchers also say that NSAIDs can reduce blood flow to the ears.

The NHS recommends checking with your GP for other options if you find yourself taking over-the-counter painkillers, like ibuprofen, on a regular basis. If there are other ways to treat your pain, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing hearing loss in the future.

Darroch offers free hearing tests if you’re concerned about your hearing right now. If you are suffering hearing loss, you may benefit from a digital hearing aid.

The Original article Published at Darroch Hearing Clinics Blog

Understanding the 3 Kinds of Hearing Loss

Darroch Hearing is thrilled to be able to offer the latest in digital hearing aids for improved hearing. Our recommendations for individual patients really depends on the type of hearing loss they are suffering from. No, not all hearing loss is the same.

There are three distinct types of hearing loss. These are as follows:

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss is the most common of the three, so named due to an inability among the ear’s ‘mechanical components’ to properly conduct sound waves to the central nervous system. This kind of hearing loss can be caused by anything from a blockage in the ear canal to some sort of physical disorder that renders certain parts of the inner ear less effective than they otherwise would be. Conductive hearing loss can be addressed by increasing the power of sound waves to the point that they overcome the conductive impediment.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

This kind of hearing loss is caused either by a problem with the nerves in the inner ear or the ability of the central nervous system to process the electrical impulses it receives. People suffering from this sort of hearing loss will have difficulty hearing in terms of volume, but their nervous systems may also distort the sounds they do here. Thankfully, this form of hearing loss is not as common as conductive hearing loss. It is a bit more difficult to treat.

Mixed Hearing Loss

Lastly, mixed hearing loss combines both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss at the same time. The conductive component can be addressed medically while the sensorineural may or may not be treatable.

If you are concerned about hearing loss, contact Darroch Hearing right away. We may be able to treat your condition with a state-of-the-art, digital hearing aid.

The Original article Published at Darroch Hearing Clinics Blog