Hearing Impairment
Signs of hearing loss
Source: NHS
In this topic (8)
Hearing loss is sometimes sudden,but often it's gradual and you may not notice it at first. Being aware of the early signs can help you identify the problem quickly.
It's important to spot hearing lossas soon as possible, because treatment is often more beneficial if started early.
General signs of hearing loss
Early signs of hearing loss can include:
- difficulty hearing other people clearly and misunderstanding what they say, especially in group situations
- askingpeople to repeat themselves
- listening to music or watching television with the volume higher than other people need
- difficulty hearing the telephone or doorbell
- finding it difficult to tell which direction noise is coming from
- regularly feeling tired or stressed,from having to concentrate while listening
In some cases, you mayrecognise signs of hearing loss in someone else before theynotice it themselves.Research suggests it takes 10 years from the time someone notices they have hearing loss, before they do anything about it.
If you also hear a ringing, buzzing or whistling sound in your ears, this could be a sign of Tinnitus , which is often associated with hearing loss.
However, there are signsyou canlookout forwhich may suggest you should seeyour GPto arrangeanother hearing test.
Signs in babies
You should consider seeing your GP if you notice that yourbaby or toddler:
- isn't startledby loud noises
- doesn't turn towards the source of a soundwhile underfourmonths old
- doesn't say single words by the time they're one year old
- noticesyou when they see you, but not when you call their name
- hears some sounds but not others
Signs in children
You should consider seeing your GP if you notice that your child:
- is slow tolearn to talk, or they're not clear when they speak
- often asks you to repeat yourself or responds inappropriately to a question
- doesn't reply when you call them
- often talks very loudly
- often turns up the volume of the TV so it's very loud
- watches other people to copy instructions, because they haven't heard
.
Seeking medical help
Make an appointment to see your GP if you're having problems with your hearing, or your child is showing signs of hearing difficulties.
Ifyou wake upwith a sudden loss of hearing in one ear or lose the hearing in one ear within a couple of days, youshould seeyour GP as soon as possible.
.
Articles for Hearing Impairment
Causes of hearing loss
Age and loud noises are the most common causes of sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs when sounds are unable to pass into the inner ear
Diagnosing hearing loss
See your GP if you're having problems with your hearing. They'll examine your ears and carry out some simple hearing tests
Introduction
Hearing loss is a common problem that often develops with age or is caused by repeated exposure to loud noises.
Patient story: "20 years ago, deaf people would have found it difficult to get into this sort of job."
Susan is a community mental health nurse helping deaf people with mental illnesses. She talks about how attitudes to deafness have changed and says deafness
Patient story: "Through performing, I've managed to grow as a person."
Millies hearing started deteriorating when she was a child. She talks about learning to cope with the hearing loss and shows that it hasn't stopped her doing
Preventing hearing loss
The ears are fragile structures that can be damaged in many ways, so it's not always possible to prevent hearing loss.
Signs of hearing loss
Hearing loss is sometimes sudden, but often it's gradual and you may not notice it at first. Being aware of the early signs can help you identify the problem quickly.
Treating hearing loss
How hearing loss is treated depends on the underlying cause of the condition.
