Hearing Loss

Reduced ability to hear sounds, from wax, infections, noise, ageing or nerve damage. Many causes can be treated or helped.

EarsLast updated: 21 October 2026

Quick Summary

Primary Symptoms

Difficulty hearing conversations, asking people to repeat, turning up the TV, and ringing in the ears.

Common Treatments

Removing wax, treating infections, hearing aids, cochlear implants and protecting ears from noise.

Risk Factors

Older age, loud noise exposure, ear infections, earwax, family history and some medicines.

OverviewSymptomsCausesTreatmentFAQ

Overview

Conductive hearing loss blocks sound reaching the inner ear (wax, fluid, infection). Sensorineural hearing loss is damage to the inner ear or nerve (ageing, noise).

Untreated hearing loss can lead to isolation and is linked with dementia. Hearing aids help many people.

Symptoms

Difficulty hearing

Especially in noisy places.

Ringing in ears

Tinnitus.

Asking people to repeat

Misunderstanding speech.

Sudden hearing loss

In one ear needs urgent medical care.

Causes & Risk Factors

Biological Causes

Problems in the outer, middle or inner ear or the hearing nerve.

Key Risk Factors

  • Age Hearing declines with age.
  • Noise Loud music, machinery and firecrackers.
  • Infections Repeated ear infections.

Management & Treatment

01. Treat the cause

Wax removal, infection treatment.

02. Hearing aids

Amplify sounds.

03. Implants

Cochlear implants for severe loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I clean my ears with cotton buds?
No, they push wax deeper.
Can noise damage be reversed?
Usually not, so protecting ears matters.

Sources and further reading

Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.