Hearing loss
Indicators of hearing loss
It can be challenging to determine if you’re losing your hearing.
Typical symptoms include:
- Difficulties understanding what other people are saying and having trouble hearing them, especially in noisy environments
- Requesting verbal repetitions from others
- Viewing TV or listening to music at a volume that is louder than necessary around other people
- Hearing issues while on the phone
- Finding it difficult to follow a conversation
- Feeling worn out or under pressure from trying to focus while listening
Your hearing may occasionally become a problem before you even realize it.
What causes hearing loss?
Hearing loss could have many different causes. It can have a treatable underlying condition, or it might not be reversible.
You can determine the cause of it based on your symptoms. However, consult a doctor before making a self-diagnosis.
- Aging or damage brought on by persistent loud noise
- Ear infection
- Earwax buildup
- A ruptured eardrum
- Labyrinthitis
When to seek medical aid
- You believe your hearing is gradually getting worse
- Your hearing has not returned despite receiving treatment for an ear infection or earwax buildup
Some pharmacies and eye doctors will also occasionally provide free hearing tests.
What can you do if you have difficulty in hearing
You may take steps to improve your hearing and your ability to communicate if you have hearing loss.
- If you want to chat with other people, turn down the background noise or choose a quieter place
- When someone is speaking to you, face them so you can see their mouth, their facial expressions, and their hand gestures
- Ask someone to repeat themselves, talk more slowly, or take notes
- Whenever you are around loud noises, wear ear protection
Hearing loss treatments
Depending on the root cause, hearing loss may require different treatments.
Sometimes a doctor can treat the underlying problem, for instance:
- Antibiotics – to treat an ear infection
- A buildup of earwax may be treated with ear drops or removed
Implants and hearing aids
Hearing aids are frequently advised by a professional if you have permanent hearing loss. Although they don’t improve hearing, they make it louder and more distinct.
Some individuals could require hearing implants. These implants are positioned deep inside the ear or affixed to the skull.
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 30 September 2022