Name: Sussex Audiology Centre - Lewes
Address: Unit 1, Artisan House, Brooks Rd, Lewes, BN7 2YJ, GB
Telephone: 0330 3203 413
Price range: ££-£££

Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can affect people of all ages and may develop suddenly or gradually over time. The causes are varied – ranging from natural ageing and long-term noise exposure to ear infections, medical conditions, or even a simple build-up of ear wax.

Some causes of hearing loss are temporary and can be treated easily, while others may lead to more permanent changes in how you hear. Understanding what’s behind the problem is the first step toward finding the right solution.

At Sussex Audiology Centre, we provide expert hearing assessments to identify the type and cause of hearing loss, offering tailored treatment and ongoing support to help you manage your hearing health with confidence.

What Causes Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss can happen for many different reasons, and in some cases more than one factor may play a role. Some causes are temporary and treatable, while others are linked to natural changes in the ear over time.

Age-related hearing loss: Known as presbycusis, this gradual change is one of the most common causes and usually affects both ears equally.
Noise exposure: Regular exposure to loud sounds – whether at work, at concerts, or through headphones – can permanently damage the delicate cells inside the inner ear.
Ear infections or blockages: Fluid in the middle ear, a build-up of wax, or repeated infections can reduce hearing, sometimes temporarily.
Medical conditions: Issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or genetic factors may contribute to hearing difficulties.
Injury or treatment side effects: Trauma to the head, certain medications, or cancer treatments can sometimes impact hearing.

Identifying the cause of hearing loss is the first step in finding the right solution. A professional hearing test can help pinpoint the problem and guide effective treatment.

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Types of Hearing Loss

The cause of hearing loss often determines the type, and understanding this is key to finding the right treatment. There are three main categories:

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type and usually results from ageing, long-term noise exposure, or damage to the delicate hair cells in the inner ear. This type is usually permanent, but it can be managed effectively with hearing aids or other hearing solutions.

Conductive hearing loss happens when sound cannot pass through the outer or middle ear properly. Common causes include earwax build-up, fluid in the middle ear, or problems with the eardrum or ossicles. In many cases, this type can be temporary and treated successfully.

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive elements, where both the inner ear and the middle or outer ear are affected. Treatment depends on the underlying causes but may involve a mix of medical care and hearing technology.

By identifying not just the cause, but also the type of hearing loss, your audiologist can recommend the most effective treatment and support.

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Understanding Hearing Loss

How We Can Help

At Sussex Audiology Centre, we offer a complete range of hearing care services designed to support you every step of the way – from diagnosis to treatment and ongoing aftercare. Whether your hearing loss is linked to age, noise exposure, medical conditions, or temporary issues such as ear wax, our experienced team is here to help you find the right solution.

0330 3203 413

Get in touch with us

We appreciate that choosing your perfect hearing aid can be a tough decision. If you have any questions or queries, please use the contact form below to get in touch or call our team directly for further help and information.

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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Causes of Hearing Loss