Hearing and Common Hearing Problems
- Oct 5
- 4 min read
Hearing connects people to their environment. It allows speech, alerts to danger, and brings enjoyment through music and conversation.
When hearing is reduced, it affects communication, confidence, and overall wellbeing. Understanding how hearing works and what can go wrong helps identify problems early and maintain healthy ears.
Sound waves travel through the ear, are converted into nerve signals, and sent to the brain for interpretation.
A healthy ear works seamlessly, but small disruptions can cause noticeable hearing changes — from mild muffling to complete loss.
How Hearing Works
The ear has three main sections — the outer, middle, and inner ear.
The outer ear collects sound and directs it through the ear canal to the eardrum. Vibrations then pass through the middle ear, where three small bones (the malleus, incus, and stapes) amplify the sound and send it to the inner ear.
Inside the cochlea, thousands of hair cells translate these vibrations into electrical signals.
These signals travel through the auditory nerve to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound.
A study published in the Journal of Neurophysiology described how each hair cell in the cochlea responds to specific sound frequencies, allowing humans to distinguish a wide range of tones and pitches.
When these hair cells are damaged, certain frequencies become harder to hear, which is why some people lose sensitivity to high-pitched sounds first.
Common Hearing Issues
Hearing loss can develop gradually or suddenly. It generally falls into three main types.
Conductive hearing loss happens when sound cannot travel efficiently through the outer or middle ear.
Common causes include fluid build-up, ear infections, or impacted earwax. In many cases, simple earwax removal can restore normal hearing.
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged. This is often age-related or linked to long-term noise exposure. It is usually permanent but can be managed with hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Mixed hearing loss combines both types, often requiring medical assessment to determine the best treatment.
According to The Hearing Journal, about 1 in 6 adults in the UK experience some degree of hearing loss, with earwax impaction being among the most common reversible causes.
Need local help? Book an appointment at one of our wax removal clinics.
Symptoms of Hearing Problems
Hearing changes may develop subtly. People often notice that they are asking others to repeat themselves or increasing the volume on the TV.
Common symptoms include:
Muffled sounds or difficulty understanding speech.
Struggling to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments.
Ringing, buzzing, or humming in the ears (tinnitus).
A sense of fullness or blockage in one or both ears.
A study published in The Hearing Journal found that early detection of hearing changes significantly improves long-term hearing outcomes because interventions can slow progression.
When to Get Your Hearing Checked
Hearing should be checked if there is persistent muffled hearing, tinnitus, or ear discomfort.People frequently exposed to loud environments, such as construction workers or musicians, should have regular assessments.
Sudden hearing loss in one ear requires urgent attention. Clinics offering ear wax removal and hearing tests in Surrey and nearby areas provide fast access to diagnosis and care without long waiting times.
How Hearing Loss is Diagnosed
A hearing assessment evaluates how well sound travels through the ear and how it is processed by the brain.
During an audiometry test, tones of different pitches are played through headphones to measure the quietest sounds a person can hear. Tympanometry assesses how the eardrum moves, helping detect fluid, infection, or blockages.
A study in the British Medical Bulletin found that combining both tests gives over 95% accuracy in detecting the cause and type of hearing loss. These tests are painless, quick, and provide essential information for choosing the right treatment.
Prevention and Protection
Noise exposure and poor ear hygiene are two preventable causes of hearing problems. Safe habits make a lasting difference:
Keep device volumes below 60% of maximum.
Use ear protection in noisy environments.
Avoid inserting cotton buds or objects into the ear canal.
Have earwax professionally removed instead of trying home remedies.
The World Health Organization reported that more than one billion young adults risk hearing loss from prolonged loud listening habits.
Regular check-ups and awareness can significantly reduce this risk.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause.When wax is the problem, microsuction earwax removal offers immediate results. It is safe, quick, and performed under direct visual guidance.
For permanent hearing loss, hearing aids can amplify sound and improve clarity. People with severe or profound loss may benefit from cochlear implants, which directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
A study in Lancet Public Health demonstrated that individuals using properly fitted hearing aids reported improved cognitive performance and quality of life compared to those who left hearing loss untreated.
Healthy Hearing Tips
Daily habits influence hearing health.
Keep ears clean but avoid over-cleaning.
Give ears time to recover after exposure to loud noise.
Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and magnesium — nutrients linked to better hearing function.
Stay hydrated and manage stress, as studies have shown a correlation between elevated cortisol levels and tinnitus intensity.
Good hearing contributes to communication, confidence, and emotional wellbeing. Protecting it early prevents many of the difficulties associated with later hearing decline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes sudden hearing loss?
It can result from viral infections, loud noise exposure, or sudden blockage from earwax. Immediate assessment is recommended.
Can earwax affect hearing?
Yes. Impacted earwax can completely block sound waves from reaching the eardrum. Professional removal often restores hearing instantly.
How do I know if my hearing is getting worse?
Difficulty understanding speech, increasing TV volume, or needing repetition are early signs. Hearing tests provide accurate measurement.
Are hearing tests painful?
No. Hearing assessments are completely painless and non-invasive.
Can hearing loss be reversed?
Conductive hearing loss caused by earwax, infections, or fluid can often be corrected. Sensorineural loss is usually permanent but manageable with hearing devices.
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