Common symptoms
- Difficulty following conversations, especially in noisy places
- Often asking people to repeat themselves
- Turning up the TV or phone volume
- Sounds seeming muffled
- In children: delayed speech or not responding to sounds
Common causes
- Ear wax build-up
- Fluid or infection in the middle ear
- Age-related changes
- Long-term exposure to loud noise
- Other ear conditions
When to see an ENT specialist
- You notice any lasting change in your hearing
- Hearing is worse in one ear
- Hearing loss comes with ringing (tinnitus) or dizziness
- You are worried about a child's hearing or speech
Seek urgent medical care if
- Sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear: seek medical assessment as soon as possible, ideally within a day or two
How it is usually assessed
An ENT specialist will usually examine the ears and may arrange hearing tests (audiometry and tympanometry). Imaging is sometimes suggested.
General management
Management depends on the cause. It may include removing wax, treating infection or fluid, hearing aids, or, for some conditions, surgery or hearing implants. Protecting your ears from loud noise helps prevent further damage.
This page provides general information only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not describe the specific services of any doctor. Please consult a doctor about your own situation.