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Hearing Loss

Condition Basics

What is hearing loss?

Hearing loss is a sudden or gradual decrease in how well you can hear. Gradual hearing loss happens over time. It can affect people of all ages, genders, races, and ethnicities. Hearing loss may range from mild to profound. It can affect one or both ears. Depending on the cause, hearing loss may improve with treatment (reversible) or be lasting (permanent). This page provides a general overview of hearing loss with a focus on hearing loss in adults. For more information about hearing at any age, visit the Alberta Health Services hearing health topic.

What causes it?

The most common causes of hearing loss in adults are noise and aging. Being exposed to everyday noises, such as using a power lawn mower, can lead to hearing loss over many years. As you get older, changes in the inner ear cause slow but steady hearing loss. Many other things can cause hearing loss too, like genetics, medical conditions, infections, injuries, using power tools, listening to loud music, and smoking. Some people may be born with hearing loss (congenital).

What are the symptoms?

Common symptoms of hearing loss include muffled hearing and a feeling that your ear is plugged. You may have trouble understanding what people are saying, especially when there is background noise, such as a radio. You may listen to the TV or radio at a higher volume than in the past.

How is it diagnosed?

An audiologist will ask about symptoms and assess you or your child’s hearing. They will look in the ears with a lighted device and do specialized tests to determine hearing sensitivity and the type and degree of hearing loss. After these tests, they will talk with you about the results and about treatment options. Untreated hearing loss can negatively impact many aspects of life, like your relationships, how you think, how you communicate, your mental health, and your experiences at school or work. It can also impact speech and language development in children.

How is hearing loss treated?

Treatment depends on the type and cause of hearing loss. Permanent hearing loss can be treated with hearing aids, cochlear implants, bone conduction hearing devices, or other assistive listening devices that help with communication and day-to-day living. Hearing loss that is not permanent can often be treated successfully by an ear, nose, and throat specialist, called an otolaryngologist (ENT).

Information about Hearing Loss

Adapted with permission from copyrighted materials from Healthwise, Incorporated (Healthwise). This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty and is not responsible or liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Information about Hearing Loss

Adaptation Date: 6/12/2024

Adapted By: Alberta Health Services

Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services