Info on tinnitus, auditory processing disorders and hearing loss
At Campbell Hearing Solutions, we provide diagnostic assessments for tinnitus, auditory processing disorders, conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss and mixed hearing loss. Our audiometrists will take the time to listen to all the concerns you have about your hearing. We’ll also discuss the results of your assessment and advise you on the next steps to care for your hearing needs. You can read more about the common hearing impairments below. If you would like a thorough assessment, call our Pialba or Maryborough clinic today.
If you hear ringing, clicking or buzzing that is not being caused by an external source, you may have tinnitus. This condition is very common and can be caused by age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noises and earwax blockage. While symptoms may be slightly different for each person, there are several methods that may help manage tinnitus, such as:
- Seeing an audiometrist
- Reducing caffeine intake
- Using technology for relief
- Undergoing sound therapy
- Identifying triggers of tinnitus
- Keeping calm—stress may worsen or be the cause of the condition
- Avoiding complete silence—have a TV or radio on as background noise to distract your brain
- Checking antibiotics, antidepressants & arthritis medications
An auditory processing disorder (APD), also known as central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), is caused by a breakdown of the hearing process where the brain is unable to make sense of sound. Similar symptoms can be present in both adults and children, including:
- Having poor music ability
- Struggling with word math problems
- Asking speakers to repeat themselves
- Finding it hard to follow conversations
- Finding it hard to follow spoken direction
- Being easily distracted by background, loud or sudden noises
- Having trouble with reading & spelling—unable to interpret sounds
- Finding it hard to learn songs or nursery rhymes
- Having trouble remembering details if they were read or heard
Conductive hearing loss usually occurs due to problems in the ear canal, ear drum or middle ear which may be blocking sound waves from passing to the inner ear. This may be caused by:
- Allergies
- Otosclerosis
- Benign tumours
- Perforated eardrums
- Fluid in the middle ear
- Foreign object in the ear
- Impaction or earwax build-up
- Infections in the middle ear & ear canal
Sensorineural hearing loss is one of the most common forms of hearing loss and occurs when there has been damage to the inner ear or to the nerve pathway from the inner ear to the brain. Causes may include:
- Aging
- Hereditary
- Exposure to loud noises
- Ototoxicity from certain medications
- Virus or disease like measles, meningitis or mumps
- Head trauma from a fall, concussion or sports injury
When both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss is present, this may indicate you have mixed hearing loss. The severity of the condition differs from mild to profound, depending on which type of hearing loss is affected the most.