Hearing loss

Hearing loss means not being able to hear some or all sounds as well as you used to. It can affect one ear or both, and it can be mild or profound. It is very common. The charity RNID estimates that around 1 in 3 adults in the UK are deaf, have hearing loss or have tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Signs of hearing loss

• finding it hard to follow conversations, especially in noisy places
• asking people to repeat themselves
• thinking others are mumbling
• needing the TV louder than others do
• missing the doorbell or phone
• feeling tired after conversations because you have to concentrate so hard

Often, family and friends notice before you do.

Causes

• getting older, the most common cause, which usually affects both ears gradually
• loud noise over time, at work or from music
• earwax build-up
• ear infections or fluid behind the eardrum
• conditions such as Ménière's disease or otosclerosis
• some medicines
• a head injury

Getting your hearing tested

See your GP, who will look in your ears and can refer you to an NHS hearing service (audiology). In some areas you can refer yourself. Many high street opticians and hearing centres also offer free hearing tests.

A hearing test is painless. You listen to sounds through headphones and press a button when you hear them.

Treatment

This depends on the cause. Earwax and infections can often be treated. For most permanent hearing loss, hearing aids help a lot, and they are free on the NHS. For severe or profound loss, a cochlear implant may be an option. See hearing loss treatment.