Hearing loss

Hearing loss is a common problem. It often develops with age, or it's caused by repeated exposure to loud noises.

The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) estimates that more than 10 million people in the UK, about 1 in 6, have some degree of hearing impairment or deafness. Hearing loss can come on suddenly, but usually it develops gradually.

You or your child may be:

• having problems with your hearing
• losing your hearing suddenly, in one or both ears

If so, see a doctor. The doctor can check for any problems and may send you to an audiologist (hearing specialist) or an ENT specialist for further tests.

Hearing tests are also available at private clinics, but you may have to pay for these.

Early signs of hearing loss can include:

• difficulty hearing other people clearly and misunderstanding what they say, especially in group situations
• 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

If you also hear a ringing, buzzing or hissing sound in your ears, this could be a sign of tinnitus, which is often associated with hearing loss.

You should consider seeing your doctor if you notice that your baby or toddler:

• 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

You should consider seeing your doctor if you notice that your child:

• 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

Hearing loss happens when sound signals don't reach the brain. There are 2 main types, 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

You can also have both types together. This is known as mixed hearing loss.

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

How hearing loss is treated depends on its cause and how severe it is.

With sensorineural (nerve) hearing loss, there are several options that may help a person hear and communicate better. These include:

• bone anchored implants, which suit people who can't use hearing aids and some levels of sensorineural hearing loss
• middle ear implants, which suit some people who can't 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. If it's needed, it can be treated with medicine or minor surgery. More major surgery may be required, though, to fix the ear drum or the hearing bones.

You can't always prevent hearing loss, especially when an underlying condition is the cause. But there are several things you can do to lower the risk of hearing loss from long-term exposure to loud noise.

So you can reduce your risk of noise-induced hearing loss (hearing loss from loud noise).

• use headphones that block out more outside noise, rather than turning up the volume
• if you work in a noisy place, such as a pub, nightclub, garage workshop or building site, use ear protection like ear muffs or ear plugs (your employer should provide these)
• use ear protection at loud concerts and at other events with high noise levels, such as motor races
• learn the symptoms of common causes of hearing loss, such as ear infections (otitis media) and Ménière's disease
• see a doctor if you or your child are having hearing problems

• Don't keep your television, radio or music on too loud.
• Don't put anything into your ears or your children's ears, and that includes fingers, cotton buds, cotton wool and tissue.

You should also see a doctor if you have signs of an ear infection, such as flu-like symptoms, severe earache, discharge or hearing loss.