Hearing Loss Symptoms & Treatment

Medically reviewed by:

Dr Sarah Marshall - Medical Officer

Updated: Aug 18, 2021

Next review: Aug 18, 2022

It’s estimated that around one in six people in the UK have a problem with their hearing, so it’s something doctors are very familiar with. However, on average people who notice symptoms of hearing loss will wait around 10 years to tell a doctor about it.

There’s no reason to wait this long. If you’re having trouble hearing and want to find out more, it’s important to act straight away, before the problem gets any worse. Our doctors are available to speak to you today and can provide practical advice in minutes.

Hearing loss can occur suddenly, or you may notice symptoms developing over time. You should see a doctor if:

You’re having trouble hearing what people are saying
You often need to have things repeated for you
You have to turn your TV or music up very loud to hear it properly
You find yourself straining to hear, or getting frustrated that you can’t follow conversations

Hearing loss happens when sound signals can’t reach your brain. There are a number of reasons why this might happen.

It can be a natural part of ageing, with signs starting to appear around your 40s. By the age of 80, most of us will have some degree of hearing loss.

Noise-induced hearing loss can happen if you’re often exposed to loud noises. For example, if you listen to loud music on your headphones every day, or you work in a noisy environment such as a nightclub or building site, this can damage your hearing over time.

It’s possible to develop hearing loss as a result of a single, very loud noise, such as an explosion. Hearing loss can also be caused by:

Something blocking your ear, such as earwax
A perforated eardrum
An infection, such as meningitis
A stroke
A head injury

Your treatment will depend on how severe your hearing loss is. If you still have reasonably good hearing, your doctor might recommend steps that’ll stop it from getting any worse.

For example, you may be advised to wear headphones that block out external sound and don’t need to be turned up as loud, or wear ear protectors at work.

However, if your hearing is so bad that you can’t hear without help, there are various hearing aids or cochlear implants available that can help you.

There are lots of different options here, many of which are very discreet. Your doctor can discuss the possibilities with you and help you take practical next steps to look after your hearing.

Hearing Loss

Dr Sarah Marshall - Medical Officer

If you’re having trouble with your hearing, you aren’t the only one.

Symptoms of Hearing Loss

Causes of Hearing Loss

Treatment for Hearing Loss