Hearing loss happens when a person has difficulty hearing some or all sounds clearly. It can develop gradually over time or occur suddenly.

Although hearing changes are more common as we get older, hearing impairment can affect people of any age. Causes include ageing, repeated exposure to loud noise, earwax build-up, infections, injury, certain medicines and inherited conditions.

Because untreated hearing problems can affect communication, relationships and quality of life, it is important to have changes in hearing assessed early.

What Causes Hearing Loss?

There are many possible causes of hearing loss.

Common causes include:

• ageing
• frequent exposure to loud noise
• earwax build-up
• ear infections
• injury to the ear or head
• viral infections
• certain medicines that can affect hearing
• genetic or inherited conditions

In some cases, hearing loss develops gradually and may not be immediately noticeable.

However, sudden hearing loss requires prompt medical assessment.

Common Signs of Hearing Loss

Hearing changes can be subtle at first.

You may notice that you:

• have difficulty following conversations
• often ask people to repeat themselves
• turn the television or radio volume higher than before
• have trouble hearing on the phone
• find it difficult to hear in noisy environments
• struggle to identify where sounds are coming from
• feel that other people are mumbling
• withdraw from conversations or social situations

Family members or friends may sometimes notice these changes before the person experiencing them.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Help

Some hearing symptoms should be assessed quickly.

Seek urgent medical advice if you experience:

• sudden hearing loss in one or both ears
• sudden hearing changes with dizziness
• significant ear pain
• discharge or bleeding from the ear
• a loud popping sensation followed by hearing loss
• new hearing loss after a head injury

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss can be a medical emergency, so do not wait to see whether it improves on its own.

Healthdirect provides more information about hearing loss and when to seek medical care.

Age-Related Hearing Loss

Hearing often changes gradually as people get older.

Age-related hearing loss, also called presbycusis, commonly affects the ability to hear higher-pitched sounds and understand speech clearly, particularly when there is background noise.

Because these changes can happen slowly, people may adapt without realising how much their hearing has changed.

Regular hearing checks can help identify changes earlier.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Unlike many age-related hearing changes, noise-induced hearing loss can often be prevented.

Repeated exposure to loud sounds can damage the sensitive structures inside the inner ear.

Sources of damaging noise may include:

• loud music
• power tools
• machinery
• concerts and entertainment venues
• firearms
• prolonged headphone use at high volume

To protect your hearing:

• reduce the amount of time spent around loud noise
• move further away from loud sound sources where possible
• use suitable hearing protection
• keep headphone volumes at a safe level
• give your ears regular breaks from loud environments

Safe Work Australia provides guidance about protecting hearing from workplace noise.

Hearing Loss and Earwax

A build-up of earwax can sometimes cause temporary hearing loss or a blocked sensation in the ear.

Other symptoms may include:

• ear discomfort
• tinnitus
• itching
• a feeling of fullness in the ear

Do not insert cotton buds or other objects into the ear canal, as this can push wax deeper or damage the ear.

Your pharmacist can advise whether an earwax-softening product may be suitable or whether you should see a doctor.

Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing sound when there is no external source.

People commonly describe it as:

• ringing
• buzzing
• humming
• hissing
• clicking

Tinnitus can occur with hearing loss, although it can also occur in people with otherwise normal hearing.

For some people it is mild and occasional. However, persistent tinnitus can affect sleep, concentration and emotional wellbeing.

If tinnitus is persistent, occurs only in one ear, pulses with your heartbeat or is associated with sudden hearing loss, seek medical advice.

Hearing Loss and Diabetes

People living with diabetes may have an increased risk of hearing problems.

Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage small blood vessels and nerves throughout the body. As a result, structures involved in hearing may also be affected.

If you have diabetes and notice changes in your hearing, arrange a hearing assessment.

You can also read our Diabetes guide for more information about managing diabetes and reducing the risk of complications.

How Is Hearing Loss Diagnosed?

A hearing assessment can help determine whether hearing loss is present and how severe it is.

Assessment may include:

• discussing your symptoms and medical history
• examining your ears
• checking for earwax or infection
• hearing different tones and frequencies
• testing how well you understand speech
• checking how each ear responds to sound

Depending on the results, you may be referred to an audiologist, GP, ear, nose and throat specialist or another healthcare professional.

How Often Should You Have Your Hearing Checked?

There is no single testing schedule that suits everyone.

However, it is a good idea to arrange a hearing check if you notice:

• difficulty understanding speech
• changes in your hearing
• persistent tinnitus
• increasing television or phone volume
• difficulty hearing in noisy environments

People who are regularly exposed to loud noise may also need routine hearing checks.

Treatment and Management

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the hearing problem.

Options may include:

• removing impacted earwax
• treating an ear infection
• reviewing medicines that may affect hearing
• hearing aids
• assistive listening devices
• communication strategies
• specialist treatment

In some situations, cochlear implants or other medical procedures may be considered.

A hearing professional can recommend the most appropriate option based on your individual needs.

Can Hearing Aids Help?

Hearing aids amplify sound and can make conversations and everyday activities easier for many people with hearing loss.

Modern hearing aids are available in several styles and can be adjusted for different types of hearing impairment.

They may also help some people manage tinnitus by making external sounds easier to hear.

However, hearing aids do not restore normal hearing, so professional assessment and correct fitting are important.

Eligible pensioners, veterans and other Australians may be able to receive support through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program.

Helping Someone With Hearing Loss

It can be difficult to raise concerns about another person’s hearing.

Choose a quiet and private setting and approach the conversation with patience.

Rather than focusing on what they cannot hear, explain the changes you have noticed and how these may be affecting everyday communication.

You can help by:

• speaking clearly and facing the person
• reducing background noise
• avoiding shouting
• encouraging a hearing check
• offering to attend appointments with them
• being patient if something needs to be repeated

Support from family and friends can make it easier for someone to seek help.

The Impact of Untreated Hearing Loss

Hearing difficulties can affect much more than the ability to hear sound.

Over time, untreated hearing problems may contribute to:

• communication difficulties
• frustration
• social withdrawal
• loneliness
• fatigue
• anxiety
• reduced confidence

Research has also found associations between hearing loss and falls, cognitive decline and other health concerns, particularly in older adults.

For related information, see our Memory Loss guide.

Protecting Your Hearing

Although not every cause of hearing impairment can be prevented, there are practical ways to reduce your risk.

Try to:

• limit unnecessary exposure to loud noise
• use ear protection around machinery or loud equipment
• keep personal listening devices at a moderate volume
• take regular listening breaks
• have persistent ear problems assessed
• avoid inserting objects into the ear canal
• arrange a hearing check if you notice changes

The World Health Organization also provides guidance on safe listening and hearing protection.

Speak With Your Pharmacist

Your MediAdvice pharmacist can provide general advice about ear health, earwax management and medicines that may affect hearing.

If your symptoms require further assessment, your pharmacist can also recommend that you see your GP, audiologist or another healthcare professional.

General advice only: This information is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. If hearing loss is sudden, severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, seek prompt medical attention.