Hearing loss

Hearing loss | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Ears, nose and throat Hearing loss Hearing loss 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. When to get medical advice Speak to your GP practice if: You or your child are: having problems with your hearing lose your hearing suddenly, 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. Signs of hearing loss 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. Signs in babies You should consider seeing your GP if you notice that your baby or toddler: isnt startled by loud noises doesnt turn towards the source of a sound when under 4 months old doesnt say single words by the time theyre 1 year old notices you when they see you, but not when you call their name hears some sounds but not others Signs in children You should consider seeing your GP if you notice that your child: is slow to learn to talk, or theyre not clear when they speak often asks you to repeat yourself or responds inappropriately to a question doesnt reply when you call them often talks very loudly often turns up the volume of the television so its very loud watches other people to copy instructions, because they havent heard 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 Its 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 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 persons 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 arent 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. How to prevent hearing loss It isnt always possible to prevent hearing loss if you have an underlying condition that causes you to lose your hearing. However, there are several things you can do to reduce the risk of hearing loss from long-term exposure to loud noise. Its possible to reduce your risk of noise-induced hearing loss (hearing loss from loud noise). Do use headphones that block out more outside noise, rather than turning up the volume use ear protection equipment such as ear muffs or ear plugs if you work in a noisy environment, such as a pub, nightclub, a garage workshop or on a building site  your employer should provide these use ear-protection equipment at loud concerts and at other events where there are high noise levels, such as motor races be aware of the symptoms of common causes of hearing loss, such as ear infections (otitis media) and Mnires disease speak to your GP practice if you or your child are experiencing hearing problems Dont do not have your television, radio or music on too loud do not insert objects into your ears or your childrens ears  this includes fingers, cotton buds, cotton wool and tissue You should also speak to your GP practice if you have signs of an ear infection, such as flu -like symptoms, severe earache , discharge or hearing loss. Source: ENT Scotland - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 28 March 2024 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. Email Address e.g. you@example.com Message Maximum of 500 characters Send feedback Add this page to\n            Info For Me Other health sites GOV.UK: Disabled people British Deaf Association Which? Hearing aid types Hearing Link Hearing Dogs for the Deaf Action on Hearing Loss NHS inform About NHS inform Editorial policy Contact us Webchat Give feedback about NHS inform Info for Me tool Terms and conditions Privacy and cookies policy Freedom of information (FOI) Accessibility Other languages and formats  2023 NHS 24  v1.1.1.17852