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Tinnitus and Conditions of the Ear
Hearing loss can have many different underlying causes and can be associated
with a variety of different medical conditions. Examples of common
underlying causes include:
 Excessive noise exposure
 Hearing loss caused by noise exposure is referred to as ‘noise-induced
hearing loss’. This type of hearing loss is preventable. For tips on
preserving your hearing, you can read our fact sheet “Protecting Your
Hearing”.
 Ageing
 Hearing loss that occurs gradually as we age is called ‘presbycusis’.
Three in four people in Australia over the age of 70 experience
hearing loss (Access Economics, 2006).
 Hereditary (genetic) factors
 Viral or bacterial infections
 Medications that are toxic or poisonous (‘ototoxic’) to the inner ear.
Some medical ear conditions or diseases can also be an underlying cause of
hearing loss. Some of the more well-known ear conditions include the
following examples.
Otosclerosis
What Is It?
In otosclerosis, abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear causes the small
ear bones to become locked and less able to conduct sound into the inner part
of the ear. Hear-it AISBL (2014) reports that otosclerosis is one of the most
common causes of progressive hearing loss in young adults. It is more
commonly found in women than men and the condition may be first noticed or
worsen during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. While the exact cause of
otosclerosis is still unknown, it often runs in families. Symptoms commonly
include gradual hearing loss that worsens over time, tinnitus (ringing or
buzzing in the ears) and dizziness in some cases.
Getting Help
 Speak with your General Practitioner (GP) or audiologist if you have
concerns. Your GP may refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
Specialist for assessment.
IS618 v2.0 Publish Date: 24 August 2016
© 2014 Guide Dogs SA/NT
Uncontrolled
when printed
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Meniere’s Disease
What Is It?
Meniere’s disease is a condition of the inner ear. A buildup of inner ear fluid
causes increased inner ear pressure, resulting in a disturbance of the ear’s
balance and hearing mechanisms (Meniere’s Australia, 2014). Symptoms
commonly include vertigo attacks (dizziness), tinnitus (ringing or roaring in
the ears), a sense of fullness in the ears and fluctuating hearing levels leading
to permanent hearing loss as the disease progresses.
Meniere’s Disease affects one in every 600 Australians (Meniere’s Australia,
2014).
Getting Help
 If you are experiencing dizziness, tinnitus or fluctuating levels of hearing,
discuss your concerns with your GP. Your GP may make a referral for you
to be assessed by an ENT Specialist. Your audiologist will also be able to
provide advice and guidance regarding managing your symptoms.
 For further information and support you may wish to visit
www.menieres.org.au or contact Meniere’s Australia on 1300 368 818.
Tinnitus
What Is It?
Tinnitus is not a disease of the ear and it does not cause hearing loss. It is a
symptom of another problem within the ear or hearing system. Tinnitus is the
perception of noise in the ears or head in the absence of ‘real’ sound from
outside (Tinnitus SA, 2014). Tinnitus is commonly experienced as a ringing or
buzzing sound but may be a combination of different sounds heard constantly
or intermittently. Tinnitus may seem to develop suddenly or slowly and can be
experienced by those with normal hearing or those with hearing loss. There are
many effective strategies that can be used to manage your perception of
tinnitus.
Getting help
 Speak with your GP about a referral to be examined by an ENT Specialist.
 Talk with your audiologist about managing tinnitus. For hints on
accessing hearing services, you can read our fact sheet “Choosing a
Hearing Service Provider”.
 For information, support and advice visit www.tinnitussa.org or
telephone Tinnitus SA on 1300 789 988.
IS618 v2.0 Publish Date: 24 August 2016
© 2014 Guide Dogs SA/NT
Uncontrolled
when printed
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Need Support?
If you are concerned about your hearing and would like to speak to someone for
impartial and independent advice, the Guide Dogs Hearing Services team can
help.
Guide Dogs Hearing Services
Guide Dogs Hearing Services provides assistance and support to any adult who
has a hearing impairment or who has both a vision and hearing loss. We
provide a range of individual services, group training programs, products and
advice.
Appointments
are
necessary.
To
contact
us,
email
[email protected] or telephone (08) 8203 8394.
This information is for educational and communication purposes only and
should not be construed as personal medical advice. If you have any further
questions, please contact us or consult your health professional.
IS618 v2.0 Publish Date: 24 August 2016
© 2014 Guide Dogs SA/NT
Uncontrolled
when printed
Page 3 of 3