What is 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.

What are the symptoms of hearing loss?

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 on the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby website.

What causes hearing loss?

There are different types of hearing loss, depending on where the problem happens in the ear or hearing pathway. Each type may be caused by different things. Hearing loss happens when there's a problem with:

• how sound travels through your ear
• how sound is sensed by your inner ear
• how your brain processes sound

Conductive hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss happens when sound cannot travel well through the outer or middle ear. This may be caused by:

• ear wax blocking the ear canal
• fluid or infection in the middle ear (common in children)
• a hole in the eardrum
• problems with the tiny bones in the middle ear, such as in otosclerosis

Sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss happens when the inner ear (cochlea) or the hearing nerve is damaged. Sensorineural hearing loss is usually permanent. It can be caused by:

• getting older (called presbycusis)
• loud noise
• some infections
• certain medicines
• genetic conditions you were born with

Asymmetrical hearing is hearing loss in one ear. It happens when there is a problem in the inner ear or the nerve that sends sound to the brain. This kind of hearing loss can happen for a range of reasons, such as:

• Meniere's disease
• a tumour near the hearing nerve
• exposure to loud noise
• getting older

Mixed hearing loss

Mixed hearing loss is when someone has both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss at the same time.

Neural hearing loss

Neural hearing loss is caused by problems in the hearing nerve. It can be due to conditions, such as an acoustic neuroma (a type of tumour) or damage from infections.

Central hearing loss

Central hearing loss happens when the brain has trouble processing sounds. It can be caused by problems in parts of the brain, such as a stroke or multiple sclerosis. A type of central hearing problem in school-aged children is called auditory processing disorder (APD).

What does it mean if I suddenly lose my hearing?

Sudden onset hearing loss is when you suddenly lose hearing, usually within 3 days. It may be conductive or sensorineural. This is an emergency. It may be caused by many things, including:

• infection
• stroke
• head injury
• certain medicines

When should I see my doctor?

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

Seek urgent care if you have sudden hearing loss. It may feel like your ear is blocked or that you suddenly can't hear on one side. This is an emergency and you should see a doctor straight away.

Also seek urgent care if you notice:

• hearing loss with dizziness, ear pain or ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
• hearing loss after a head injury or loud noise
• hearing loss with nerve symptoms, such as facial weakness or numbness

How is hearing loss diagnosed?

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.

How is hearing loss treated?

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

Living with hearing loss

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.

What are the complications of hearing loss?

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

Can hearing loss be prevented?

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 to work out if you are exposed to too much noise.

Resources and support

• The Australian Government Hearing Services Program provides subsidised hearing services for eligible people.
• You can also access a guide to hearing technology through the Department of Health and Aged Care website.
• The National Relay Service 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 offers information on hearing loss in adults and children, hearing technologies and online tests.

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby has information on hearing loss in children.

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 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 for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children with ear and hearing trouble.