{"id":929,"date":"2026-08-13T23:15:39","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T15:15:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pati.kyand.co\/?p=929"},"modified":"2026-08-14T11:06:06","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T03:06:06","slug":"hearing-understanding-hearing-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pati.kyand.co\/zh\/2026\/08\/13\/hearing-understanding-hearing-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Hearing: Understanding Hearing Loss"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Understanding Hearing Loss<\/em><\/h1>\n

Types, causes, and treatment options.<\/p>\n

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\u76f8\u95dc\u8a55\u4f30\uff1a \u807d\u529b\u640d\u5931\u7be9\u67e5<\/b><\/div>\n
\u985e\u5225\uff1a Neurological Health<\/b><\/div>\n
\u89c0\u773e\uff1a Adults 50+<\/b><\/div>\n <\/div>\n\"Understanding\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n
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\u9ede\u89e3\u5462\u500b \u4e8b\u60c5<\/em><\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n\n

\n About 1 in 3 adults over 65 has some degree of hearing loss, and this rises to nearly half of adults over 75. The good news is that most hearing loss can be managed effectively with modern treatments and assistive devices.\n<\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n \n\n
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Types of Hearing Loss<\/em><\/h2>\n

There are three main types of hearing loss:<\/p>\n\n

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Sensorineural hearing loss<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

NIDCD<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Conductive hearing loss<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

NIDCD<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Mixed hearing loss<\/p>\n

A combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. Treatment depends on the specific causes involved.<\/p>\n

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n \n\n

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What Are the Causes<\/em>?<\/h2>\n

Common causes of hearing loss in older adults:<\/p>\n\n

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Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)<\/p>\n

Gradual, progressive hearing loss that occurs as part of the natural ageing process. Usually affects both ears equally, especially high-frequency sounds.<\/p>\n

NIDCD<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Noise exposure<\/p>\n

Long-term exposure to loud noise (workplace, music, machinery) can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear permanently.<\/p>\n

World Health Organization<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Medical conditions<\/p>\n

Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke can affect blood supply to the ear and contribute to hearing loss.<\/p>\n

Mayo Clinic<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Medications (ototoxic drugs)<\/p>\n

Certain medications can damage the inner ear, including some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and high doses of aspirin.<\/p>\n

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Earwax build-up or infections<\/p>\n

Blockage from earwax or fluid from infections can cause temporary conductive hearing loss. This is usually treatable.<\/p>\n

Mayo Clinic<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n \n\n

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Treatment Options<\/em><\/h2>\n

Depending on the cause and severity:<\/p>\n\n

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Hearing aids<\/p>\n

Small electronic devices that amplify sound. Modern hearing aids are discreet, digital, and can be programmed to match your specific hearing loss pattern.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Cochlear implants<\/p>\n

For severe to profound hearing loss that doesn’t benefit from hearing aids. Surgically implanted devices that bypass damaged parts of the ear.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Assistive listening devices<\/p>\n

Amplified phones, TV listening systems, and personal amplifiers that help in specific situations.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Medical\/surgical treatment<\/p>\n

For conductive hearing loss: earwax removal, treating infections, or surgery to repair the eardrum or middle ear bones.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n \n\n

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Watch: Understanding Hearing Loss<\/em><\/h2>\n

Trusted videos from medical institutions:<\/p>\n\n

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NIDCD \u2014 How Hearing Works<\/p>\n

Official National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders video explaining how hearing works and what happens when it doesn’t.<\/p>\n

Watch on YouTube \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Mayo Clinic \u2014 Hearing Loss: Causes and Treatment<\/p>\n

Patient-friendly explanation of hearing loss causes, symptoms, and treatment options from Mayo Clinic.<\/p>\n

Watch on YouTube \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n \n\n

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Community Resources<\/em> (Hong Kong)<\/h2>\n

Local support for hearing loss:<\/p>\n\n

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Hospital Authority ENT clinics<\/h3>\n

Specialist assessment and treatment for hearing loss, including audiology services and hearing aid fitting.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Hong Kong Society for the Deaf<\/h3>\n

Provides hearing tests, hearing aid services, and support programmes for people with hearing loss.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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District Health Centres & DHC Expresses<\/h3>\n

Offer basic hearing screening and can refer you to appropriate audiology services.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n \n\n

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