Understanding Hearing Loss
Types, causes, and treatment options.
點解呢個 事情
Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults, yet it often goes untreated for years. Untreated hearing loss is linked to social isolation, depression, cognitive decline, and an increased risk of falls. Understanding hearing loss is the first step to addressing it.
Types of Hearing Loss
There are three main types of hearing loss:
Sensorineural hearing loss
The most common type, caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. Usually permanent and often related to ageing (presbycusis) or noise exposure. Typically treated with hearing aids.
NIDCD
Conductive hearing loss
Caused by problems in the outer or middle ear that block sound from reaching the inner ear. Common causes include earwax build-up, fluid, infections, or problems with the eardrum. Often treatable with medication or surgery.
NIDCD
Mixed hearing loss
A combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. Treatment depends on the specific causes involved.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
What Are the Causes?
Common causes of hearing loss in older adults:
Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)
Gradual, progressive hearing loss that occurs as part of the natural ageing process. Usually affects both ears equally, especially high-frequency sounds.
NIDCD
Noise exposure
Long-term exposure to loud noise (workplace, music, machinery) can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear permanently.
World Health Organization
Medical conditions
Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke can affect blood supply to the ear and contribute to hearing loss.
Mayo Clinic
Medications (ototoxic drugs)
Certain medications can damage the inner ear, including some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and high doses of aspirin.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Earwax build-up or infections
Blockage from earwax or fluid from infections can cause temporary conductive hearing loss. This is usually treatable.
Mayo Clinic
Treatment Options
Depending on the cause and severity:
Hearing aids
Small electronic devices that amplify sound. Modern hearing aids are discreet, digital, and can be programmed to match your specific hearing loss pattern.
Cochlear implants
For severe to profound hearing loss that doesn’t benefit from hearing aids. Surgically implanted devices that bypass damaged parts of the ear.
Assistive listening devices
Amplified phones, TV listening systems, and personal amplifiers that help in specific situations.
Medical/surgical treatment
For conductive hearing loss: earwax removal, treating infections, or surgery to repair the eardrum or middle ear bones.
Watch: Understanding Hearing Loss
Trusted videos from medical institutions:
NIDCD — How Hearing Works
Official National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders video explaining how hearing works and what happens when it doesn’t.
Mayo Clinic — Hearing Loss: Causes and Treatment
Patient-friendly explanation of hearing loss causes, symptoms, and treatment options from Mayo Clinic.
Community Resources (Hong Kong)
Local support for hearing loss:
Hospital Authority ENT clinics
Specialist assessment and treatment for hearing loss, including audiology services and hearing aid fitting.
Hong Kong Society for the Deaf
Provides hearing tests, hearing aid services, and support programmes for people with hearing loss.
District Health Centres & DHC Expresses
Offer basic hearing screening and can refer you to appropriate audiology services.
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Hearing Loss and Older Adults.
- Mayo Clinic. Hearing Loss — Symptoms and Causes.
- World Health Organization. Deafness and Hearing Loss Fact Sheet.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Hearing Loss.
This page provides general health information based on published guidelines and resources and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Hearing loss should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional or audiologist.
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