Hearing loss

Hearing loss is usually permanent, but you can protect your hearing by avoiding loud noise. Know the symptoms, when to get tested and what you can do to help prevent hearing loss.

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Deafness

Deafness is a complete loss of hearing. This page offers you information about living with deafness, the deaf community, sign language and more.

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How to make a phone call when you're deaf or can't speak

One in 6 Australians has some hearing loss, while others have a speech impairment. The National Relay Service allows all people to communicate by phone.

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Hearing test

Hearing tests can detect and measure the severity of hearing loss. Find out who needs a hearing test, what types of hearing tests can be done and how to get a hearing test.

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Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is an inherited condition that affects the middle ear and is a common cause of deafness. Find out about the 2 ways to treat otosclerosis.

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Cochlear implant

Cochlear implants are electronic devices that stimulate the hearing nerve to provide sounds directly to the brain. They are are designed to recognise signals as sound, which in turn help understand speech.

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Stapedectomy

Otosclerosis can cause the stapes bone to lock in place, causing conductive hearing loss. A stapedectomy can improve your hearing without the need for a hearing aid.

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Hearing aids

A hearing aid is a small electronic device to help people hear better. Learn more about the different types of hearing aids and where and how to get hearing aids.

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Meniere's disease

Meniere's disease is a disorder of the ear that causes hearing and balance problems. There's no cure, but the symptoms can be managed.

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Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, whistling or hissing in one or both ears when there is no outside sound. Find out when you should get help.

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Ears

The ears have 2 roles – hearing and balance. Find out about the structures in the ears, how they work, problems that can affect the ears and how to care for your ears.

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Glue ear

Glue ear (otitis media with effusion) develops when liquid builds up inside your middle ear. Learn about its causes, symptoms and treatment.

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Neurofibromatosis

Neurofibromatosis is a manageable genetic condition characterised by benign tumours. Learn about its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.

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Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is common but, most people have no symptoms. Learn more about the causes, symptoms and how you can reduce your risk of infection.

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Mumps

Mumps is a contagious viral infection, most common in children between 5 and 15 years. These days it’s rare thanks to effective immunisation.

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Speech development in children

Kids learn to talk and develop at their own rate, but there are some general patterns of speech development for babies and children. Find out more.

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Acoustic neuroma

An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumour that grows in the acoustic or eighth cranial nerve. Learn how it affects hearing, balance and other functions.

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Delirium

Delirium is a sudden change in your thinking or behaviour. It is most common in older people. Find out more about prevention and treatment here.

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Speech pathology

Speech pathologists help people with communication and swallowing problems. Learn more about speech pathologists, what they do and how they can help.

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Essential screening tests for men

Screening tests are health checks that aim to pick up health problems early in people who don't have symptoms of disease.

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Polyps

A polyp is a growth on an organ in your body. Most polyps are benign but some are or might become malignant. Learn more about the cause and symptoms of polyps as well as prevention tips.

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Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the balancing centre in your inner ear. Find out how it may come about, its symptoms and the treatment options.

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Turner syndrome

Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by a missing or partially missing X chromosome. Find out more about its symptoms and treatments here.

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How technology is helping people with dementia

Technology, including useful apps, to support the more than 400,000 people living with dementia, can make a big difference -- both to them and to their carers. Learn more here.

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Vasculitis

Vasculitis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of blood vessels. Discover more about its diagnosis and treatment options.

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Paget's disease of bone

Paget's disease of bone is a condition that weakens and deforms bones. Discover more information about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

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Ear wax

Ear wax (cerumen) is produced by tiny glands in the ear canal and helps keep the ears clean. Find out how to treat a build-up of ear wax.

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Grommets

Grommets are tiny ventilation tubes. They are put into the eardrum to prevent a build-up of fluid. Learn more about how to care for grommets here.

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Allied health

Allied health practitioners are trained professionals who are not doctors, dentists or nurses. Learn more about what these professionals do here.

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Surgery for cholesteatoma

A cholesteatoma is a sac of dead skin cells that forms in your middle ear, which can damage your ear and cause complications. Surgery is the only cure.

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