Understanding hearing loss
Hearing loss can come on gradually or suddenly and may be temporary or permanent. It is broadly divided into conductive loss (a problem conducting sound, such as wax or fluid) and sensorineural loss (involving the inner ear or hearing nerve). Identifying the type guides treatment.
Common causes
- Earwax build-up or ear infection (often reversible)
- Fluid in the middle ear
- Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)
- Noise exposure over time
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss — a medical urgency
Assessment
An ENT specialist examines the ears and arranges hearing tests (audiometry). Further tests or imaging may be used depending on the suspected cause.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause: removing wax, treating infection or middle-ear fluid, hearing aids for many types of permanent loss, and specific medical treatment for some conditions. Sudden hearing loss in particular may benefit from prompt treatment, so it should not be ignored.
When to see a specialist
See a doctor for new or worsening hearing loss, ear pain or discharge, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or dizziness. Sudden hearing loss in one ear should be assessed urgently.
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Browse ENT specialists →Frequently Asked Questions
Sudden hearing loss in one ear should be assessed promptly, as early treatment can improve outcomes in some cases.
Some causes (wax, infection, fluid) are reversible. Age- and noise-related loss is usually permanent but can often be managed effectively with hearing aids.
Audiometry is a standard, painless test that measures the type and degree of hearing loss and guides treatment.