Temporary hearing loss can be normal
Most people have had temporary hearing loss at least once in their lives. If you have a cold or have been exposed to loud noise for a short while you may feel a little bit deaf.
Or if the air pressure around you is changing, for example while diving or flying, your ears may feel 'blocked'. In these cases your hearing should return to normal within a couple of days at most. If it doesn't, see a doctor.
Are there different types of hearing loss?
There are two types of hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss is due to problems affecting sound transmission through the outer or middle ear. It leads to a loss of loudness and can often be corrected. It's like listening to someone speaking very softly or from a distance.
Sensorineural hearing loss arises in the inner ear or hearing nerve. It reduces loudness and clarity. As well as the sound not being loud enough, it is distorted so that it can't be understood by the listener – a bit like listening to a foreign language.
How do I know if I'm affected?
Unless you have a moderate to severe hearing loss you'll probably have no problem talking face to face with someone. However, you might find it difficult hearing someone in a noisy environment or from a distance. You may also find some higher pitched voices or words hard to pick up. You may need to listen to the television or radio at a volume that is too loud for others. And you may not always hear the telephone or doorbell when it rings.
» If you think you have some hearing loss, arrange through a doctor to have your hearing tested by a qualified audiologist or contact the Christchurch Hearing Association.
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