Hearing loss living in adults

Overview

Hearing loss means you have trouble hearing sounds that others hear clearly. It can affect one or both ears and may be mild, moderate, severe, or profound.

Yes, hearing loss is very common, especially as you get older. Most adults will experience some decrease in hearing over time.

Hearing loss can affect adults of all ages, but it is most common in people over 60 years old. It can also occur in younger adults due to noise exposure, infection, or other causes.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Difficulty hearing conversations, especially in noisy places
• Frequently asking people to repeat what they said
• Turning up the television or radio volume higher than others prefer
• Feeling like people are mumbling
• Trouble hearing high-pitched sounds, like children’s voices or birds

Symptoms in older adults

• Gradual loss of hearing in both ears
• Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
• Trouble understanding words in a group setting
• Feeling confused or left out during conversations
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is also common

Causes

Main causes

• Aging (presbycusis) – natural wear and tear of the inner ear
• Long-term exposure to loud noise (e.g., at work, concerts, power tools)
• Earwax buildup that blocks the ear canal
• Ear infections (e.g., otitis media or otitis externa)
• Certain medicines that can damage the ear (ototoxic drugs) – always ask your doctor
• Genetics – some families have a higher risk
• Head or ear injuries

Risk factors

• Being over 60 years old
• Working in noisy environments (e.g., construction, music, factory)
• Listening to loud music through headphones for long periods
• Family history of hearing loss
• Smoking – smokers are more likely to have hearing loss
• Certain health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears
• Hearing loss after a head injury
• Hearing loss with severe dizziness, vertigo, or ringing in the ears
• Ear pain, swelling, or discharge

Book a routine appointment if:

• Gradual hearing loss that makes daily life harder
• Trouble following conversations, especially in groups
• Constantly needing to turn up the TV or radio
• Feelings of isolation or depression related to hearing

Diagnosis

A doctor (GP) or an audiologist (hearing specialist) will examine your ears and ask about your symptoms and history. They will usually recommend a hearing test.

Tests that may be done

• Otoscopy – looking in your ear with a small light to check for blockages or infection
• Pure-tone audiometry – you wear headphones and press a button when you hear beeps (this measures which sounds you can hear)
• Tympanometry – a small device tests how your eardrum moves (checks middle ear function)

What to expect at your appointment

The tests are painless and usually take about 30 to 60 minutes. You might be asked to sit in a quiet booth. Results will show if you have hearing loss and how severe it is.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. For some people, simple steps like removing earwax or using hearing aids can make a big difference. Others may need medicine or surgery. The goal is to help you hear better and improve your quality of life.

Self-care at home

• Protect your ears from loud noise – use earplugs or earmuffs
• Reduce background noise when listening to conversations (e.g., turn off the TV)
• Face people when they speak – this helps you see facial cues
• Ask friends and family to speak clearly and not too fast
• Limit time with headphones at high volume

Medical treatments

If your hearing loss is caused by an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medicines. For sudden hearing loss of unknown cause, a short course of steroid tablets may be given. For hearing loss related to age or noise, hearing aids are often recommended. There are many types available; your audiologist can help you choose. Some people benefit from assistive listening devices, such as amplified phones or TV listeners.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be an option for certain types of hearing loss, such as otosclerosis (a bone growth in the middle ear), cholesteatoma (skin cyst in the ear), or severe hearing loss that does not improve with hearing aids. Cochlear implants are a type of electronic device for profound hearing loss.

Living with this condition

Living with hearing loss means making small changes to stay connected. Let your family and friends know what helps you hear better. Use captions on TV and video calls. Choose quieter restaurants for meals out. Many adults find hearing aids or other devices helpful once they get used to them.

Lifestyle tips

• Join a hearing loss support group – online or in person
• Tell people about your hearing loss so they can help
• Use assistive technology – like amplified phones or smartphone apps that transcribe speech
• Consider learning lip-reading or sign language if your hearing loss is severe

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids may support ear health. Regular exercise improves blood flow and can help with conditions like diabetes that sometimes affect hearing. Always ask your doctor before starting a new diet or exercise program.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Hearing loss can be frustrating and isolating. It may lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, or embarrassment. Many people feel left out in groups. It is important to talk about these feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or a counselor. If you feel depressed or extremely anxious, please reach out to your doctor or a mental health helpline.

Prevention

Not all hearing loss can be prevented, especially age-related loss. But you can reduce your risk by protecting your ears from loud noise, avoiding smoking, managing health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and treating ear infections promptly.

Screening programmes

Routine hearing checks are recommended for people who work in noisy environments or have a family history of hearing loss. Ask your doctor if you should have a baseline hearing test.

Complications

If left untreated

• Social isolation and difficulty maintaining relationships
• Depression and anxiety
• Increased risk of falls (due to balance problems linked to inner ear issues)
• Cognitive decline – hearing loss may contribute to memory and thinking problems in older age

Long-term outlook

With the right help, most people with hearing loss can continue to live active, connected lives. Hearing aids, assistive devices, and support services work well for many. Even severe hearing loss can be managed with technology and communication strategies. You are not alone – there are many resources to help you.

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