Hearing changes can happen gradually or suddenly. They may affect conversations, work and daily life. The timing of the change is particularly important because sudden hearing loss needs urgent assessment.
Hearing can change gradually or suddenly, affecting conversations, work and daily life. Tell a clinician when the change started: sudden hearing loss needs urgent assessment.
What changes might you notice?
You might ask people to repeat themselves, turn the volume up or struggle to follow conversation in noise. A blocked feeling, ear pain, discharge, ringing or dizziness may also occur. These features have different possible causes and should not automatically be attributed to wax.
When should I seek urgent care?
Seek urgent medical advice immediately if hearing is suddenly reduced in one or both ears, worsens over days or weeks, or is accompanied by ear pain or discharge. Sudden hearing loss can be time-sensitive. If tinnitus follows a head injury or comes with sudden hearing loss, facial weakness or spinning vertigo, seek emergency care.
What happens during an assessment?
A clinician may ask when the change began, whether it affects one or both ears, and about noise exposure, medicines and other symptoms. They may examine your ears and recommend hearing tests or specialist review. Bring a list of medicines and describe previous ear infections, operations or hearing-aid use.
What treatments are available?
Treatment depends on the cause. Some problems may be addressed directly; others may require hearing support, further investigation or rehabilitation. Ask what the assessment shows, whether additional tests are needed and when to follow up. Do not place objects or unprescribed products in your ear while trying to identify the cause.
Frequently asked questions
Is sudden hearing loss an emergency?
It needs urgent medical assessment immediately because some causes are time-sensitive.
Does hearing loss always mean earwax?
No. Earwax is one possible cause among many.
Will I need a hearing test?
A clinician may recommend one based on your history and examination.
Can children have hearing loss?
Yes. Hearing changes can affect development and learning; arrange medical advice when concerned.
Related reading
Further reading
Read about Ear Infections & Hearing Loss, or contact the team about an appointment.
This article is general information and does not replace an individual clinical assessment.