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Hearing loss

Overview

Open all pages about Hearing loss

Hearing loss can be hard to spot at first. Common signs are difficulty hearing other people clearly and needing the TV to be loud.

Hearing loss has lots of possible causes. It’s often due to getting older, but is sometimes caused by something treatable like an infection or earwax.

Treatment for hearing loss depends on the cause. Some causes like earwax are treatable. For permanent hearing loss, hearing aids are usually needed.

There are things you can do to reduce the impact of hearing loss. For example, try to face people when they’re talking and reduce background noise.

Hearing loss is common, particularly as you get older. See a GP if you have problems with your hearing. It could be caused by something treatable.

Page last reviewed: 06/12/2021
Next review due: 06/12/2024