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Hearing loss

Hearing loss

ears-nose-and-throat otic
0 medicines 16 symptoms

Overview

Hearing loss is a common problem that often develops with age or is caused by repeated exposure to loud noises.

Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) estimates that there are more than 10 million (about 1 in 6) people in the UK with some degree of hearing impairment or deafness.

Hearing loss can occur suddenly, but usually develops gradually.

Common Symptoms

asking people to repeat themselves listening to music or watching television with the volume higher than other people need difficulty hearing the telephone or doorbell finding it difficult to tell which direction noise is coming from regularly feeling tired or stressed from having to concentrate while listening isn’t startled by loud noises doesn’t turn towards the source of a sound when under 4 months old doesn’t say single words by the time they’re 1 year old notices you when they see you, but not when you call their name hears some sounds but not others is slow to learn to talk, or they’re not clear when they speak often asks you to repeat yourself or responds inappropriately to a question doesn’t reply when you call them often talks very loudly often turns up the volume of the television so it’s very loud watches other people to copy instructions, because they haven’t heard

⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.

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Medicines Commonly Used

⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.

No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.

When to See a Doctor

Speak to your GP practice if you or your child:

  • are having problems with your hearing
  • suddenly lose hearing in one or both ears

Your GP can check for any problems and may refer you to an audiologist (hearing specialist) or an ENT specialist for further tests.

Hearing tests are also available on the high street, but you may have to pay for these.

Causes

What causes hearing loss?

Hearing loss is the result of sound signals not reaching the brain. There are 2 main types of hearing loss, depending on where the problem lies:

  • sensorineural hearing loss – caused by damage to the sensitive hair cells inside the inner ear or damage to the auditory nerve, which can happen naturally with age or as a result of injury
  • conductive hearing loss – when sounds are unable to pass from your outer ear to your inner ear, often because of a blockage such as earwax, glue ear or a build-up of fluid from an ear infection, perforated ear drum or disorder of the hearing bones

It’s also possible to have both these types of hearing loss. This is known as mixed hearing loss.

Some people are born with hearing loss, but most cases develop as you get older.

Treatment

Treatment for hearing loss

The way hearing loss is treated depends on the cause and how severe it is.

In cases of sensorineural (nerve) hearing loss, there are several options that may help to improve a person’s ability to hear and communicate. These include:

  • digital hearing aids – which are available through the NHS
  • bone anchored implants – suitable for people who are unable to use hearing aids and for some levels of sensorineural hearing loss
  • middle ear implants – suitable for some people who are unable to use hearing aids
  • cochlear implants – for people who find hearing aids aren’t powerful enough
  • lip reading and/or sign language – such as British Sign Language (BSL)

Conductive hearing loss is sometimes temporary and can be treated with medication or minor surgery, if necessary. However, more major surgery may be required to fix the ear drum or hearing bones.

Prevention

It isn't always possible to prevent hearing loss when it's caused by an underlying health condition. But when the cause is loud noise, there's a lot you can do to lower your risk.

Here's how you can reduce your risk of noise-induced hearing loss.

Do

  • choose headphones that block outside noise well, rather than turning the volume up
  • wear ear protection such as ear muffs or ear plugs if you work somewhere noisy, such as a pub, nightclub, garage workshop or building site. Your employer should provide these for you
  • wear ear protection at loud concerts and other high-noise events, such as motor races
  • learn the symptoms of common causes of hearing loss, such as ear infections (otitis media) and Ménière's disease
  • talk to your GP practice if you or your child are having trouble hearing

Don't

  • don't keep the television, radio or music turned up too loud
  • don't put objects into your ears or your children's ears, including fingers, cotton buds, cotton wool or tissue

You should also talk to your GP practice if you notice signs of an ear infection, such as flu-like symptoms, severe earache, discharge or hearing loss.

How to put in earplugs