Why Does Hearing Loss Occur?

Hearing reduction can arise from wax or middle-ear disease, inner-ear or nerve damage, or a combination. Sudden loss requires urgent assessment.

What should you know?

Otoscopy, audiometry and sometimes tympanometry distinguish the type. Options may include wax removal, infection management, selected surgery, hearing aids or implant assessment. Even conductive loss does not always recover fully. With gradual loss, report difficulty understanding speech, tinnitus and impact on work. Devices and rehabilitation should match the individual's hearing profile.

Assessment and next steps

The ear canal and eardrum are examined; hearing tests and tympanometry may be needed. Do not insert cotton buds or other objects. If you have a perforation, a tube or previous ear surgery, a clinician should choose drops or irrigation.

Care and when to seek help

Sudden hearing loss, facial weakness, severe dizziness, swelling behind the ear or rapidly worsening pain require urgent assessment.

This information does not replace an individual consultation. Diagnosis and treatment depend on a medical assessment.