long lasting hearing

Overview

Hearing loss is when you cannot hear sounds as well as you used to. It can happen gradually as you age, after loud noise, or because of illness or injury. It can range from mild (missing a few sounds) to profound (not hearing at all). This article explains how hearing loss happens, how to protect your hearing, and how to get help if you notice changes.

Yes. Hearing loss is very common. In the UK, about 1 in 6 adults has some hearing loss. It becomes more common as you get older.

Anyone can develop hearing loss. It can be present at birth or happen at any age. It is more common in older adults, people with a family history of hearing loss, and people regularly exposed to loud noise—such as musicians, factory workers, or those who listen to music at high volume.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Difficulty hearing conversations, especially in noisy places
• Needing to turn the TV or radio volume higher than others prefer
• Often asking people to repeat what they said
• Feeling like people are mumbling
• Ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)

Symptoms in children

• Not responding when their name is called
• Delayed speech or language skills
• Turning the volume up very high
• Trouble paying attention at school
• Frequent ear infections

Symptoms in older adults

• Withdrawing from social activities because it's hard to hear
• Feeling sad or anxious after conversations
• Misunderstanding what people say
• Having trouble hearing high-pitched sounds like doorbells or telephones

Causes

Main causes

• Natural aging (the most common cause)
• Long-term exposure to loud noise
• Inherited conditions
• Ear infections or a buildup of earwax
• Some medicines that can damage the ear (ask your doctor about your own medicines)
• Diseases such as meningitis, mumps, or Ménière's disease
• Injury to the ear or head

Risk factors

• Increasing age
• Family history of hearing loss
• Working in a noisy environment
• Listening to loud music through headphones
• Repeated ear infections
• Diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease
• Smoking

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Sudden hearing loss—see a doctor or urgent care the same day
• Hearing loss with earache, discharge, or bleeding
• Hearing loss after a head injury

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have trouble following conversations in a group
• If others say you don't seem to hear well
• If you need to turn the TV or radio very loud
• If ringing in your ears bothers you or does not go away

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, health history, and any loud noise exposure. They will look inside your ears and may do simple checks, like the whisper test. If needed, they will refer you to a hearing specialist (audiologist) for a full hearing test.

Tests that may be done

• Looking into your ear with a light (otoscopy)
• Simple tuning-fork tests
• A hearing test in a sound booth (audiometry)
• Speech testing to see how well you understand words

What to expect at your appointment

A hearing test is painless and usually takes about an hour. You will put on headphones and press a button when you hear different tones. The results show the softest sounds you can hear at different pitches. The audiologist will explain your results and talk with you about what to do next.

Treatment

There is no cure for most types of permanent hearing loss, but many people do very well with the right support. The best treatment depends on the cause, the type of hearing loss, and your lifestyle. Your healthcare team will work with you to find a plan that fits your needs.

Self-care at home

• Remove earwax safely—never stick cotton buds or anything sharp in your ear
• Use earplugs or noise-cancelling ear muffs in loud places
• Keep your listening volume at 60% or lower on personal devices
• Give your ears a break in quiet after noisy events
• Tell your doctor about any medicines you take, as some can affect hearing

Medical treatments

Treatment approaches may include hearing aids to make sounds clearer, assistive devices for the TV or phone, implantable devices such as cochlear implants for severe hearing loss, and treatment of any underlying cause. For example, a doctor may remove earwax, treat an infection, or recommend a hearing therapist to help you get used to hearing again. Never start any treatment without discussing it with a qualified healthcare provider.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually only needed for specific conditions, such as a damaged eardrum, otosclerosis (when a small bone in the ear becomes fixed), or for a cochlear implant in people with profound hearing loss.

Living with this condition

Living with hearing loss becomes easier with communication tips. Let people know to face you when speaking and to speak clearly. Use subtitles on TV, and consider alerting devices that flash a light for the doorbell or fire alarm. Many people with hearing loss also learn lip-reading or use apps that turn speech into text.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep your ears dry and clean to prevent infections
• Take breaks from loud environments to let your ears recover
• Use custom-fitted earplugs if you work in a noisy job
• Manage conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, as they can affect hearing
• Stay social—keeping in contact with friends and family is important

Diet and exercise

A healthy balanced diet and regular physical activity are good for your whole body, including your ears. Some research suggests that eating plenty of vegetables, fruit, and fish may help lower the risk of hearing loss. Exercise also improves blood flow to the inner ear.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Hearing loss can make you feel isolated, embarrassed, or low. These feelings are normal and understandable. Talk about how you feel with people you trust, join a support group, and seek professional help if you need it. Treating hearing loss often improves mood and confidence.

Prevention

You cannot prevent all hearing loss, especially age-related changes. But you can often prevent noise-induced hearing loss, which is permanent. The most important step is to protect your ears from very loud sounds—turn the volume down, move away from the noise, or wear ear protection.

Vaccines

Some infections that can cause hearing loss, such as meningitis, mumps, and measles, are preventable with vaccines. Ask your doctor or local health service about recommended vaccines for you and your family.

Screening programmes

Routine hearing screening is not offered to all adults, but it's a good idea to ask about it if you're over 60, work in a noisy job, or have a family history of hearing loss. Many newborns are also screened for hearing at birth.

Complications

If left untreated

• Social isolation and loneliness
• Depression or anxiety
• Difficulty at work or loss of employment
• Higher risk of falls
• Possible increased risk of memory problems in older adults

Long-term outlook

With the right help, most people with hearing loss can communicate well and continue to live full, active lives. Modern hearing devices are smaller and more powerful than ever. Acting early gives you the best chance of staying connected and keeping your hearing for as long as possible.

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