What is it?
Hearing loss can happen at any age. It may be due to ear wax, an ear infection, a hole in the eardrum, fluid behind the eardrum (common in children), age-related nerve changes or long exposure to loud noise. Many causes can be treated, and early testing helps.
Common symptoms
- Often asking people to repeat themselves
- Turning the TV volume up high
- Difficulty hearing in crowds or on the phone
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- In children: not responding when called, delayed speech, falling behind at school
How we diagnose it here
- Ear examination with otoscope, endoscope or microscope
- Audiometry (hearing test) to measure the type and degree of hearing loss
Tests used: Audiometry (Hearing Test) Ear Microscopy
Treatment options
- Ear wax removal
- Medicines for infections
- Microscopic ear surgery for problems such as a hole in the eardrum, when suitable
- Advice on hearing aids for nerve-related hearing loss
- Advice on protecting your ears from loud noise
The right treatment for you is decided by the doctor after examination and tests.
When to seek urgent care
Sudden hearing loss in one ear (over a few hours or a day or two) should be seen by an ENT doctor as early as possible – ideally within 24–48 hours.
If you have sudden severe dizziness with weakness, slurred speech, chest pain or loss of consciousness, go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately.