Year
Learning Area
Wellbeing Resources
Hearing Loss

Library Books

Overview

What is hearing loss?

Hearing loss makes it difficult or impossible to hear speech and other sounds. There are different types of hearing loss, and they can range from mild to severe. Some types of hearing loss are temporary, and some are permanent.

There are several types of hearing loss:

  • Auditory processing disorders: These occur when the brain cannot process sound. This makes it hard to understand speech or to work out where sounds are coming from.
  • Conductive hearing loss: There is when there is a problem with the outer or middle ear, so sound cannot pass through to the inner ear. It may be caused by ear wax, an ear infection, a punctured ear drum, fluid in the ear or abnormal bone growth in the ear (known as otosclerosis). These conditions can usually be treated.
  • Sensorineural hearing Loss: This occurs when the hearing organ, the cochlea, and/or the auditory nerve are damaged or malfunction so they are unable to accurately send electrical information to the brain. Sensorineural hearing loss is almost always permanent.
  • Mixed hearing loss: With this type, there is both conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss.

1 in 6 Australians experience hearing loss. You can have trouble with your hearing at any age, but help is available and there are ways to stop hearing loss from getting worse.

Audiovisual

Understanding Hearing Loss in children

What is Sensorineural Hearing Loss? - Ear Problems

Escaping the Hidden Prison of Auditory Processing Disorder

The Science of Hearing

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