Hearing loss
Overview
Hearing loss is common, particularly as you get older. See a GP if you have problems with your hearing. It could be caused by something that can be easily treated.
Symptoms
It's not always easy to tell if you're losing your hearing. Common signs include: difficulty hearing other people clearly and misunderstanding what they say, especially in noisy placesneeding to ask people to repeat themselveslistening to music or watching TV with the volume higher than other people needdifficulty hearing on the phonefinding it hard to keep up with a conversationfeeling tired or stressed from having to concentrate while listening Sometimes someone else might notice problems with your hearing before you do. Hearing loss can affect a child's speech development and progress at school.
Causes
There are lots of possible causes of hearing loss. It may be caused by something treatable or it may be permanent. Your symptoms may give you an idea what could be causing it. But do not self-diagnose, see a GP for advice. Gradual hearing loss in both ears Aging or damage from loud noise over many years Difficulty hearing in 1 ear, earache, a high temperature, itching in and around the ear, a feeling of pressure in your ear, discharge coming out of the ear Ear infection Difficulty hearing, usually in 1 ear, itchiness, feeling like your ear is blocked Earwax build-up Sudden hearing loss after an ear infection, a very loud noise or a change in air pressure (for example, from flying) Perforated eardrum Sudden hearing loss along with dizziness, a spinning sensation (vertigo) or ringing in your ears (tinnitus) LabyrinthitisorMénière’s disease
Treatment
Treatment for hearing loss depends on what's causing it. Sometimes a GP may be able to treat the cause, for example: an ear infection might be treated with antibioticsan earwax build-up might be treated with ear drops or removed If your hearing loss is not caused by something a GP can treat, they may refer you to a hearing specialist for further tests and treatment.