Hearing loss happens when one or more parts of the ear aren’t working effectively. The ear is the first part of the hearing system. The outside part of the ear catches sound waves and directs them down the ear canal. The waves then cause the eardrum to vibrate.

There are two main types of hearing loss:

• Nerve hearing loss which is a hearing loss in the inner ear. This usually means that the cochlea isn’t working effectively. This hearing loss is permanent.
• Conductive hearing loss which means that sound can’t pass efficiently through the outer and middle ear into the inner ear. This is often caused by blockages such as wax in the outer ear, or fluid in the middle ear (glue ear). Glue ear is a very common condition, especially in pre-school children. This hearing loss is usually temporary.

Very few children have no useful hearing. Most children with a hearing loss can hear some sounds at certain frequencies and loudness, and with the use of hearing aids or implants they are often able to hear more sounds.