Hearing loss symptoms can range from difficulty understanding speech and locating sounds to requiring a high volume when watching television or listening to music.
You can experience hearing loss at any age, but it is
Read on to learn more about the symptoms of hearing loss, as well as what may cause it, how to treat it, and when to consider speaking with a doctor.
The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) notes that common signs of hearing loss include:
- difficulty understanding speech, particularly in busy or noisy environments
- feelings of tiredness or stress due to concentrating while listening
- difficulty locating sounds
- needing others to repeat themselves during conversations
- difficulty following conversations
- watching television or listening to music at a higher volume than other people require
- difficulty hearing others during phone calls
These symptoms may affect one or both of your ears.
Symptoms that may accompany signs of hearing loss include:
The exact symptoms you experience will vary depending on the underlying cause.
Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent, depending on the underlying cause.
Causes of temporary hearing loss
Most of the time, doctors can treat injuries and conditions that prevent sound waves from reaching your inner ear. They can often reverse hearing loss in these instances.
Examples of conditions that may cause temporary hearing loss include:
- earwax buildup
- fluid buildup, which may result from causes like an infection or allergies
- ruptured eardrum
Causes of permanent hearing loss
Hearing loss is usually permanent if an injury or condition has damaged your inner ear or auditory nerve.
Some
- long-term exposure to loud noise
- aging
- traumatic injury to your ear
- structural problems with your ear that occur from birth
- Meniere’s disease
- labyrinthitis
- tumors
Treatment for hearing loss
However, some treatment options may include:
- antibiotics for bacterial ear infections
- using eardrops or visiting a doctor to manually remove earwax blockages safely
- hearing aids, cochlear implants, and surgical procedures for conditions that cause permanent hearing loss
A doctor will be able to work out which treatment options are most suitable for you.
If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms that may indicate hearing loss, you may want to speak with a doctor, as the condition can get worse without treatment.
The NHS also recommends speaking with a healthcare professional if you think your hearing is gradually worsening or if you’ve had treatment for an ear infection or earwax buildup, but your hearing has not improved.
You may need to speak with a doctor as soon as possible if you experience:
- sudden hearing loss in one or both ears
- worsening hearing over the last few days or weeks
- hearing loss alongside other symptoms, such as earache or discharge coming out of the ear
A healthcare professional can perform diagnostic tests to work out the underlying cause of hearing loss symptoms and recommend which treatment options may work best for you.
Hearing loss can cause a range of symptoms, such as difficulty understanding speech, needing others to repeat themselves during conversations, and requiring a higher volume than others when watching television or listening to music.
Causes of hearing loss can range from earwax and fluid buildup to traumatic injury and tumors.
If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms that may suggest hearing loss, you may want to consider speaking with a doctor for further guidance.