Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a reduced ability to hear that is either conductive — a blockage in the outer or middle ear such as earwax, fluid, or infection, often reversible — or sensorineural, from the inner ear or hearing nerve and usually managed with hearing aids. Sudden hearing loss in one ear needs urgent assessment.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Marwan Alhalalmeh, ENT Specialist · Last reviewed: 2026-06-17
Overview
Hearing loss means a reduced ability to hear, and it has two broad types. Conductive loss comes from a blockage or problem in the outer or middle ear — earwax, fluid, infection, or a perforated eardrum — and is often reversible. Sensorineural loss comes from the inner ear or hearing nerve, frequently from ageing or noise, and is usually managed with hearing aids. An ENT specialist examines the ears and arranges hearing tests to identify the type and degree, treats anything reversible, and guides you on the best option — including when sudden hearing loss needs urgent treatment.
Symptoms
- Difficulty following conversations, especially in noise
- Turning the television up, or asking others to repeat themselves
- Muffled hearing or a blocked feeling in the ear
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus) alongside reduced hearing
- In children: delayed speech, inattention, or sitting close to the TV
- Sudden loss of hearing in one ear
When to see a doctor
- Sudden hearing loss in one ear — this needs urgent assessment
- Hearing loss with ear pain, discharge, or dizziness
- Gradual hearing loss affecting work, study, or relationships
- Any concern about a child’s hearing or speech development
Treatment options
- Ear examination and a hearing test to find the type and degree
- Removing earwax or treating infection or middle-ear fluid
- Repairing a perforated eardrum when appropriate
- Hearing aids and advice for sensorineural hearing loss
- Prompt treatment and referral for sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Common questions
Is sudden hearing loss an emergency?
Sudden hearing loss in one ear should be treated as urgent. Seeing an ENT specialist quickly gives the best chance of recovery, as some causes respond well to prompt treatment.
Can hearing loss be reversed?
Often, yes — when it is caused by earwax, infection, or fluid. Hearing loss from the inner ear is usually not reversed but is well managed with hearing aids and other support.
How is a child’s hearing tested?
Children’s hearing can be checked at any age using age-appropriate tests. If you have any concern about your child’s hearing or speech, it is worth having it assessed early.
Can loud noise cause permanent hearing loss?
Yes. Repeated or very loud noise — from machinery, power tools, or loud music — can permanently damage the inner ear. This kind of hearing loss cannot be reversed, but it is largely preventable by using ear protection and limiting exposure to loud sound.
When should I consider a hearing aid?
If you often ask people to repeat themselves, struggle to follow conversations in noise, or turn the volume up more than others around you, it is worth having your hearing tested. A hearing test shows the type and degree of any loss and whether a hearing aid would help.
Further reading
General information about this topic from an independent health authority:
NHSIf your hearing — or your child’s — has changed, Dr. Marwan can test it, treat what is treatable, and advise on the best option.
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