Hearing Loss

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Hearing loss affects millions of adults in the UK, yet its impact is often underestimated. It can make conversations difficult, lead to social isolation and affect mental health. In my practice, I work closely with patients to see if it’s possible to regain clarity in their hearing with specialist treatments.

Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can result from various factors, including:

  • Age – A gradual decline in hearing due to aging (known as presbycusis)
  • Noise-induced Hearing Loss – Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear.
  • Ear Conditions – Ear infections, wax buildup, or structural abnormalities.
  • Medical Issues – Stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure can cause hearing loss.
  • Ototoxic Medications – Certain chemotherapy drugs and some antibiotics can affect hearing.

Diagnosis

A thorough evaluation is essential to determine the underlying cause of hearing loss:

  • Medical History – Understanding your overall health and any other diagnosed problems or recent health issues can help pinpoint a possible cause
  • Physical Examination – Using an otoscope, I examine the ear canal and ear drum structures. 
  • Hearing Test – A pure-tone audiometry and tympanogram tests to assess hearing function.
  • Additional Tests – In some cases, imaging (CT/MRI scans) may be requested
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Treatment Options

Treatment is highly variable as hearing loss can be mild or very severe and it is not always possible to reverse hearing loss. As an ENT doctor my role will be to see if medical interventions or surgical procedures can help restore ear function and the clarity of hearing. I work closely with patients to determine the best pathway for them, these might include:

  • Medical Interventions – In some cases treatment may involve simple procedures that can be conducted in my office, such as earwax removal using micro-suction (a more advanced treatment than ear syringing)
  • Eardrum Repair – The eardrum plays a crucial role in hearing by transmitting sound waves. If it is perforated (due to infection or trauma) surgery repairs the damage and hearing.  Whilst I don’t perform this surgery I will recommend a trusted colleague.
  • Stapedectomy – Otosclerosis, a condition that affects the tiny bones in the middle ear, can lead to progressive hearing loss. A stapedectomy replaces the stapes bone with a prosthesis, restoring sound transmission and improving hearing clarity.  Whilst I don’t perform this surgery I will recommend a trusted colleague.
  • Grommets – Grommets are tiny ventilation tubes inserted into the eardrum to help drain fluid and improve middle ear function. While commonly associated with children, adults with persistent ear issues may also benefit from the procedure. The procedure is minimally invasive and can be performed under local anaesthetic in a clinic setting.
  • Follow-Up Hearing Test: After treatment, I will organise a post-treatment hearing test to ensure that hearing has returned to normal.

If I feel that you are not the right candidate for surgery then I can refer you to expert audiologists who can help you with hearing aids which help amplify sound. Hearing impairment is not something you have to live with; there are so many options to tackle all different kinds of hearing loss. Click here to make an enquiry.