Hearing loss

Hearing loss means you don't hear as well as most people do. There are different types of hearing loss. It can be mild, moderate or complete, and it may affect one or both ears.

You can be born with hearing loss or develop it later in life. Some types of hearing loss are temporary, and others are permanent.

Hearing loss can start slowly or happen suddenly. It can affect one or both ears. The signs can be different in adults and children.

In adults

Hearing loss in adults can be hard to notice at first. You might not notice small changes. You may:

• have trouble hearing in noisy places
• have trouble hearing people on the phone
• often ask people to repeat themselves
• hear sounds as muffled, as though people are mumbling
• need to have the TV volume louder than other people
• hear buzzing or ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
• avoid situations because you have trouble hearing

In children

Children with hearing loss may not show clear symptoms. Your child may have hearing loss if they:

• don't turn their head when someone speaks to them from behind or to one side
• start speaking later than other children their age
• speak differently (unclear speech, loud voice)
• want the TV volume up high
• don't follow instructions, especially in noisy settings
• watch your face closely to understand what you're saying (lip-reading)
• are struggling at school with learning or speaking

Signs of hearing loss in babies may include not startling at loud noises, or not responding to their name and to familiar voices by 6 months of age.

Find out more about hearing loss in children (Opens in new tab) on the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby website.

See your doctor if you are concerned about your hearing. If you experience symptoms of hearing loss, see an audiologist for a hearing test.

When to seek urgent care

Hearing loss is diagnosed through a physical exam and hearing tests. Sometimes your doctor will recommend imaging tests, such as an MRI scan or blood tests, to find out the cause.

Hearing loss can be managed in different ways, depending on how severe it is and what the cause is. This may include:

• hearing aids
• cochlear implants and other implantable devices
• surgery

Hearing loss can affect many parts of daily life — from talking with family to understanding people at work or in social situations. Even mild hearing loss can make communication harder, especially in noisy places or during fast conversations.

Support and treatment can make a big difference and help improve hearing and communication. Learning sign language, how to read lips or using visual alerts can also be useful.

Untreated hearing loss can lead to more than just trouble hearing. It may lead to:

• social isolation
• depression and anxiety
• falls, especially as you get older, as balance and movement can also be affected

Hearing loss isn't always avoidable, but some types can be prevented. Here are some tips that may help you:

• Protect your ears from loud sounds — use earmuffs or earplugs, especially in noisy workplaces or at concerts.
• Limit the amount of time you spend in loud environments, such as clubs or gyms with loud music.
• Look after your health and quit smoking.

While routine hearing checks aren't recommended for people without symptoms, having a hearing test can help if you notice changes.

You can use Know Your Noise's online risk calculator (Opens in new tab) to work out if you are exposed to too much noise.

• The Australian Government Hearing Services Program provides subsidised hearing services for eligible people (Opens in new tab).
• You can also access a guide to hearing technology (Opens in new tab) through the Department of Health and Aged Care website.
• The National Relay Service (Opens in new tab) allows people with hearing loss or deafness to make free phone calls 24 hours a day. These include calls using the internet, SMS and video.
• Hearing Australia (Opens in new tab) offers information on hearing loss in adults (Opens in new tab) and children (Opens in new tab), hearing technologies and online tests (Opens in new tab).

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby has information on hearing loss in children (Opens in new tab).

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Languages other than English

Multicultural Health Communication Service (Opens in new tab) offers information about hearing loss and your baby in many community languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

National Acoustic Laboratories offers a program called Plum and Hats (Opens in new tab) for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children with ear and hearing trouble.