ENT · Ear, nose and throat
Hearing loss
Understand reduced hearing, its assessment and options suited to the cause.
Editorial publication · Medical review pending.
Understand
Hearing loss is a partial or complete reduction in hearing in one or both ears.
Possible symptoms
Difficulty understanding speech, higher volume needs, listening fatigue, tinnitus or delayed speech in a child may occur.
Causes and associated factors
Ageing, noise, earwax, infection, eardrum disease, inner-ear damage or auditory-nerve problems may be responsible.
Diagnosis
History, ear examination and hearing assessment distinguish conductive from sensorineural loss.
Tests
Otoscopy, audiometry, tympanometry and sometimes imaging or specialist tests define the mechanism.
Course of the condition
Some causes are reversible; others progress gradually or leave permanent loss.
Care options
Treatment targets the cause; hearing aids, implants and communication strategies can improve independence.
When to consult
Seek assessment if hearing declines, affects communication or does not return after treatment for wax or infection.
Urgent help
Sudden or rapidly worsening hearing loss, especially on one side, needs urgent medical assessment.
Questions for your doctor
- How will the cause of my symptoms be confirmed?
- Which hearing, nose, throat or balance tests are useful?
- Which options, limits and complications should we compare?
- What follow-up should be arranged?
- Which signs require urgent assessment?
Continue reading
A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.
Our articles
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- NHS — Hearing loss
Accessed on September 15, 2026