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What are the symptoms of hearing loss?

Some of the more typical symptoms may include: Difficulty following conversation when many people are talking; Difficulty hearing the television and radio at volumes others can hear; Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, and; Thinking that people are mumbling, when they are actually speaking at a normal level.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is hearing loss?

Hearing loss is the partial or total inability to hear in one or both ears.

What causes hearing loss?

The most common cause of hearing loss is the normal ageing process. Other typical causes may include infection, congenital disorders, trauma and a build-up of earwax.

Who gets hearing loss?

Hearing loss is most common in the older population, but it can potentially affect anyone.

How is hearing loss diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made with a physical examination and hearing tests. In some cases, imaging scans may be used if there is a suspected fracture or tumour.

How is hearing loss treated?

The treatment used will vary depending on the cause of hearing loss, but may include: medication to treat any underlying infection and inflammation; surgery to prevent chronic recurrent infection; surgical cochlear implantation, and; hearing aids.

Can hearing loss be prevented?

Most cases of hearing loss can be prevented by: limiting exposure to excessive noise; maintaining good ear hygiene; keeping childhood vaccinations up to date, and; getting early treatment for ear infections.

Are there different types of hearing loss?

Hearing loss can be: 1) Conductive - caused by damage to the outer or middle ear. 2) Sensorineural - caused by damage to the inner ear structures. 3) Mixed - caused by a combination of conductive and sensorineural.

What increases the chances of developing hearing loss?

Some risk factors for hearing loss may include: recurrent ear infections; advancing age; smoking; a family history of hearing difficulties; head trauma, and; excessive exposure to loud noises.

How common is hearing loss?

Hearing loss has been estimated to affect around 5% of the population, but is more common in the older population and may affect around one third of adults over 60 years of age.

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About this article

Author: Lauren Donley BSc (Hons)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 18 May 2018
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Votes: 266 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Outer ear infections

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