screening for hearing

Overview

Hearing screening is a quick, painless check to see if you can hear sounds at normal levels. It is not a full medical diagnosis. Instead, it helps spot potential hearing problems early so you can get the right support.

Hearing loss is very common, especially as people get older. Around 1 in 3 adults over 65 has some level of hearing loss, yet many do not realise it until it is pointed out.

Hearing screening is important for people of all ages. Babies and young children are screened to support speech development. Adults, especially those over 60, benefit from regular checks to catch age-related hearing changes early.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Struggling to follow conversations in noisy places
• Often asking people to repeat themselves
• Turning up the TV or radio louder than others need

Symptoms in children

• Not responding when called
• Delayed speech or language development
• Difficulty paying attention or learning at school

Symptoms in older adults

• Feeling isolated or left out in group conversations
• Having trouble hearing high-pitched sounds like doorbells or birdsong
• Needing to watch people's lips to understand them

Causes

Main causes

• Natural aging, which affects the inner ear
• Long-term exposure to loud noise
• Excess earwax blocking the ear canal
• Middle ear infections
• Certain medicines that can harm the ear

Risk factors

• Working in noisy environments like construction or music venues
• Listening to music at high volume through headphones
• Having a family history of hearing loss
• Living with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Sudden hearing loss or a blocked feeling in the ear after an injury
• Severe ear pain or discharge that smells bad

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you or your child has trouble hearing in everyday situations
• If you are over 60 and have never had a hearing check
• If you are concerned about a baby not reacting to sounds

Diagnosis

Hearing screening is usually done by a trained nurse, audiologist, or hearing technician. You do not need any special preparation, and the test is painless.

Tests that may be done

• A test where you listen to beeps through headphones and press a button or raise your hand
• A small device placed in the ear to measure how the eardrum moves
• For babies, a test that uses small sensors to check how the inner ear responds to sound

What to expect at your appointment

The screening takes only a few minutes. You will sit in a quiet room and focus on the sounds. Babies are often screened while they sleep. If the screening shows a possible problem, you will be referred for a more detailed hearing test.

Treatment

If hearing screening suggests a problem, the next step is a full hearing evaluation by an audiologist. Treatment depends on the cause and may include simple earwax removal, managing an infection, or using hearing aids.

Self-care at home

• Keep your ears dry and do not put cotton buds or other objects inside them
• Protect your ears from loud noise by wearing earplugs or earmuffs
• Take regular breaks from noisy environments

Medical treatments

Medical treatments may include cleaning out excess earwax under a health professional's care, treating an ear infection with an appropriate plan, or recommending hearing aids. Your healthcare provider will explain the options that are right for you.

When is surgery considered?

In rare cases, surgery may be considered if there is a structural problem in the middle or inner ear. This is only discussed after a full specialist assessment.

Living with this condition

If you have hearing loss, face the person you are speaking with and politely let them know you have trouble hearing. Choose quiet places for conversations and sit with your back to the wall so you can see everyone.

Lifestyle tips

• Wear hearing protection in loud places like concerts or workshops
• Keep social connections active to avoid feeling isolated
• Consider assistive devices like amplified phones or alert systems for the doorbell

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet and staying physically active helps keep your blood vessels healthy, which supports good circulation to your ears. There is no special 'hearing diet', but overall health matters.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Hearing loss can feel frustrating and may make you want to withdraw from social activities. It is common to feel anxious or sad. Talk to your healthcare provider if you feel low, and let friends and family know how you feel.

Prevention

Not all hearing loss can be prevented, but you can protect your hearing by avoiding loud noise, using ear protection, and treating ear infections promptly.

Screening programmes

Hearing screening is part of routine preventive care for newborns, school-aged children, and older adults. Talk to your healthcare provider about how often you should be screened based on your age and risk factors.

Complications

If left untreated

• Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation and depression
• Children with undetected hearing loss may have delays in speech and language
• Older adults may have a higher risk of falls or accidents if they cannot hear alarms or warnings

Long-term outlook

With early detection and the right support, most people can manage hearing loss and continue to enjoy rich, connected lives. Hearing screening gives you the opportunity to act early and stay engaged in the world around you.

Find support

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