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Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can affect people of all ages and walks of life, and it often develops gradually—making it easy to overlook in the early stages. While age-related hearing decline and prolonged exposure to loud noise or music remain the most common causes, there are many other potential contributors. These include ear infections, head injuries, a perforated eardrum, and certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or specific medications that may impact auditory function. In some cases, hearing loss may be temporary and treatable, while in others, it can be permanent and require ongoing support. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in finding the right solution. At Sussex Audiology Centre, we provide comprehensive hearing assessments and tailored treatment plans to help you regain clarity and confidence in your hearing.

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How the Ear Works

The ear is a small but extremely complex organ, transforming all audible sounds into information for the brain to interpret. The delicate mechanisms that make up the are comprise of:

  • The outer ear (external ear and ear canal): The ear is shaped like it is in order to capture sound and direct it down the ear canal to the middle ear.
  • The middle ear (ear drum and three tiny bones): The middle ear consists of three bones called ossicles – the hammer, the anvil and the stirrup. The latter is the smallest bone in the human body! Together with the ear drum they work to amplify air sounds and turn airborne soundwaves into physical soundwaves.
  • The inner ear (cochlea and auditory nerve): The cochlea is the shell-shaped part of the inner ear and is where the sounds we hear are processed, turned into electrical impulses and sent to the brain via the auditory nerve. The brain then interprets the information into meaningful sounds, such as speech.

How We Can Help

Hearing loss can be frustrating, isolating, and often overwhelming — but you don’t have to face it alone. At Sussex Audiology Centre, we provide expert, compassionate care to help you understand your hearing health and find solutions that work for you.

0330 3203 413
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Understanding Hearing Loss

What is hearing loss?

Hearing loss is the reduction in our ability to hear certain sounds and affects 432 million adults worldwide. Because it is gradual, it's important to be aware of hearing loss signs.

Hearing loss impacts all aspects of your life

Hearing plays a major role in our emotional well-being, physical health, and overall quality of life. Yet millions of people with hearing loss let it go untreated, despite research showing increased risk of falls, depression, anxiety, and dementia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I recognise hearing problems? +

Most of the time hearing problems begin gradually without discomfort or pain. What's more, family members often learn to adapt to someone’s hearing loss without even realising they are doing it. Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine whether you have hearing loss.

Are there different types of hearing loss? +

There are three types of hearing loss including: sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss and mixed hearing loss. Most people lose at least some degree of their hearing as they age, and by the time they reach age 65 and older, one in three people has some type of hearing impairment.

What are the most common causes of hearing loss? +

There are several causes. The main ones include excessive noise, genetics, birth defects, infections of the head or ear, aging, and reaction to drugs or cancer treatment. Each type of hearing loss has different causes.

If I had hearing loss, wouldn't my doctor have told me? +

Only 13 percent of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss. Since most people with hearing impairments hear just fine in quiet environments (like your doctor's office), it can be very difficult for your physician to recognize this problem. Only a trained hearing professional can determine the severity of your hearing problem, whether or not you could benefit from a hearing aid, and which type would be best for you.

Doesn't hearing loss only affect old people? +

Hearing loss can occur at any time, at any age. In fact, most people with hearing loss (65 percent) are younger than age 65! There are 6 million people in the US ages 18–44 with hearing loss, and around 1.5 million are school age.

Who treats hearing loss? +

Audiologists specialize in testing, evaluating and treating hearing loss. Hearing Aid Dispensers and Specialists are trained in fitting and dispensing hearing aids. Otolaryngologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose, throat, head and neck disorders.

Is there any way to make it easier to hear people wearing face masks? +

The use of face masks and social distancing is proven to reduce speech audibility, as well as eliminate important lip-reading cues, both key to understanding speech. Hearing aids — and features like our Edge Mode and Mask Mode — help offset speech audibility loss in numerous ways and can help make it easier to hear people who are wearing masks.

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Our clinics

At Sussex Audiology Centre, we are proud to be the only local company using ENT grade wall mounted microscopes offering superior vision over Head Loupes or iPhone systems. All of our clinics are fitted with high quality, quiet Microsuction Pumps. Our Audiologists will undertake a thorough patient history, perform HD video Otoscopy and offer a complimentary hearing test after the procedure.

0330 3203 413

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“I’d like to start by thanking Rosanne for her expertise and service over the
years – the best hearing aids in the world are nothing without an expert
audiologist on hand to manage them.
December ‘24, I decided to upgrade my aids to Phonak Audéo I90-Sphere,
and the experience has been both amazing and quite emotional.
I am now able hear speech far more clearly, even in very noisy situations, as
never before – the “Spheric” program is unbelievably good. Birdsong is a joy,
and I can enjoy my music again but crucially, I am far more enthusiastic
about attending social occasions, family gatherings, meetings, the cinema
etc.
I’ve had them six months now and I’m still absolutely delighted. Many
thanks to Rosanne and Sussex Audiology Centre.”

Roy Groom

Patient Review

“I was nervous about getting a hearing test, but the audiologists made me feel at ease. The results were explained clearly, and I felt well cared for.”

David L, Crawley

Google Review

“The team at Sussex Audiology Centre was incredibly professional and friendly. My at-home hearing test was convenient and thorough. Highly recommended!”

Sarah M, Crawley

Google Review

“Lovely and friendly. Helped me amazingly remove my wax buildup comfortably. And offered to clean my other ear free of charge as it was only ever so slightly blocked. Highly recommend visiting here for your ear troubles.”

Scott Pullen

Google Review

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