What Causes Hearing Loss?

A blocked ear can make sounds seem muffled and may improve after the blockage is treated. A middle-ear infection can reduce hearing when fluid sits behind the eardrum, while swimmer's ear affects the ear canal and often causes tenderness. Inner-ear problems can affect hearing together with ringing, dizziness or a feeling of fullness; Meniere's disease is one possible example. Repeated loud sound can injure delicate hearing structures, and some medicines can also affect hearing. Hearing changes may occur in one or both ears and can be temporary or ongoing.

Notice when the change began, whether it affects one ear, and whether pain, discharge, ringing or dizziness is present. Avoid inserting cotton buds or objects into the ear, because this can push wax deeper or injure the canal. Protect your ears from loud sound and arrange a clinical assessment if hearing remains reduced. A clinician may look for wax or infection and arrange a hearing test. If wax is the cause, appropriate ear wax removal may be discussed.

Seek urgent medical advice for sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear, or hearing loss with severe dizziness, facial weakness, a severe headache or neurological symptoms. Prompt assessment is also appropriate for significant ear pain, fluid or blood from the ear, or a high fever. Do not wait for home treatment to resolve a sudden change.

Could wax, infection, noise exposure or a medicine explain this change? Do I need an ear examination or hearing test? What symptoms would mean I should return urgently?