Disease of the Month: Hearing disorders

Hearing disorders Hearing loss is a common problem that often develops with age or is caused by repeated exposure to loud noises. It is estimated that there are more than 10 million (about 1 in 6) people in the UK with some degree of hearing impairment or deafness, of which more than 900,000 are either severely or profoundly deaf. Hearing loss can occur suddenly or you may be born with a hearing deficiency. In most cases, however, hearing loss develops gradually with age.  How hearing works Sound waves enter the ear and cause the eardrum to vibrate. These vibrations are passe...