Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFirst SignsStagesSigns of WorseningSigns of Partial Hearing LossEarly DetectionSeeing a Specialist
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
First Signs
Stages
Signs of Worsening
Signs of Partial Hearing Loss
Early Detection
Seeing a Specialist
Hearing loss is losing some or all hearing in one or both ears. Hearing loss can occur because of age, injury, or illness, or it can happen gradually or suddenly.Hearing loss can happen to people of all ages, from babies to seniors.
Hearing loss can appear suddenly, such as after an injury that might cause symptoms like intense ringing in the ears or dizziness. Hearing can worsen over time with symptoms like increasing difficulty following conversations, increased volume on devices, and vertigo.
This article covers signs of hearing loss, hearing loss stages, how to tell if hearing loss is worsening, signs of partial hearing loss, why you should catch hearing loss early, and how to get help.
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First Signs of Hearing Loss
Signs of hearing loss can vary depending on its cause. For instance, babies' hearing is tested shortly after birth, while children and adults might show symptoms later in life or after an injury.
Screening in Babies
Other ways babies might show signs of hearing loss include:
Children and Signs of Hearing Loss
In children, signs of hearing loss might include:
Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults
For younger, middle-aged, and older adults, early signs of hearing loss can include:
Hearing Loss Symptoms: What You and Others Might Notice
For example, a person experiencing hearing loss might feel:
Others around someone who is experiencing hearing loss might view them as:
Stages of Hearing Loss
There are four degrees of hearing loss with varying symptoms.
Mild Hearing Loss
Mild hearing loss is when some soft sounds are difficult to hear. Symptoms might include:
Sudden Hearing Loss in One Ear: What You Need to Know and How to Seek Help
Moderate Hearing Loss
Moderate hearing loss is when:
Severe Hearing Loss
A person with severe hearing loss:
Profound Hearing Loss
Profound hearing loss is when:
How Can You Tell If Your Hearing Is Getting Worse?
In addition to obvious symptoms, there are other signs that hearing loss is getting worse.
When A Child’s Hearing Loss Is Worsening
While not responding to others or having speech difficulties can be a sign of hearing loss in a child, there are other symptoms of increasing hearing loss, including:
Worsening Hearing Loss in Older Adults
Older adults with worsening hearing could exhibit social difficulties. Symptoms of worsening hearing loss in older adults include:
Hearing loss does not have to occur in both ears to require attention or help. Signs of partial hearing loss include:
Benefits of Early Hearing Loss Detection
Detecting hearing loss early can have several benefits for adults and children, including:
Can Hearing Loss Be Reversed?Currently, there is no way to treat ear injuries that cause hair loss. This is because damaged cells in the ear do not grow back. However, further hearing loss or effects of hearing loss can be preventedwith treatmentand methods like:Avoiding noisy places and using ear plugs when in noisy placesLimiting volume when using electronic devicesUsing hearing aids or assistive devices to prevent isolation or fatigueBeing open about hearing loss with others, including teachers and others you or a child might converse with regularly
Can Hearing Loss Be Reversed?
Currently, there is no way to treat ear injuries that cause hair loss. This is because damaged cells in the ear do not grow back. However, further hearing loss or effects of hearing loss can be preventedwith treatmentand methods like:Avoiding noisy places and using ear plugs when in noisy placesLimiting volume when using electronic devicesUsing hearing aids or assistive devices to prevent isolation or fatigueBeing open about hearing loss with others, including teachers and others you or a child might converse with regularly
Currently, there is no way to treat ear injuries that cause hair loss. This is because damaged cells in the ear do not grow back. However, further hearing loss or effects of hearing loss can be preventedwith treatmentand methods like:
Specialist to See With Signs of Hearing Loss
If hearing loss interferes with daily life or does not improve, or if you experience sudden hearing loss, it’s advised to seek medical attention. Specialists who can assist with hearing loss include the following:
Summary
Hearing loss refers to loss or partial loss of hearing in one or both ears. Babies are often screened for hearing loss as soon as they are born. Hearing loss can be mild, moderate, severe, or profound.
When hearing loss is worsening, a person might feel depressed or isolated, show signs of cognitive decline that might be related to hearing issues, or have an increased risk of accidents or falls. Preventing hearing loss has several benefits, including better learning and social outcomes, a lower risk of cognitive decline, treatment of ear infections, and prevention of further hearing loss.
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Hearing loss.World Health Organization.Deafness and hearing loss.NHS.Hearing loss.American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.Auditory brainstem response (ABR).American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About hearing loss in children.National Institute on Aging.Hearing loss: A common problem for older adults.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs of noise-induced hearing loss.Nemours Kids Health.Hearing loss factsheet (for schools).Hearing Health Foundation.Degrees of hearing loss.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Types of hearing loss.Better Health Channel.Hearing problems in children.UCSF Health.Hearing loss signs and symptoms.Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.Hearing loss in children.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About noise-induced hearing loss.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Hearing loss.World Health Organization.Deafness and hearing loss.NHS.Hearing loss.American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.Auditory brainstem response (ABR).American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About hearing loss in children.National Institute on Aging.Hearing loss: A common problem for older adults.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs of noise-induced hearing loss.Nemours Kids Health.Hearing loss factsheet (for schools).Hearing Health Foundation.Degrees of hearing loss.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Types of hearing loss.Better Health Channel.Hearing problems in children.UCSF Health.Hearing loss signs and symptoms.Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.Hearing loss in children.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About noise-induced hearing loss.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Hearing loss.World Health Organization.Deafness and hearing loss.NHS.Hearing loss.American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.Auditory brainstem response (ABR).American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About hearing loss in children.National Institute on Aging.Hearing loss: A common problem for older adults.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs of noise-induced hearing loss.Nemours Kids Health.Hearing loss factsheet (for schools).Hearing Health Foundation.Degrees of hearing loss.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Types of hearing loss.Better Health Channel.Hearing problems in children.UCSF Health.Hearing loss signs and symptoms.Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.Hearing loss in children.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About noise-induced hearing loss.
MedlinePlus.Hearing loss.
World Health Organization.Deafness and hearing loss.
NHS.Hearing loss.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.Auditory brainstem response (ABR).
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About hearing loss in children.
National Institute on Aging.Hearing loss: A common problem for older adults.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs of noise-induced hearing loss.
Nemours Kids Health.Hearing loss factsheet (for schools).
Hearing Health Foundation.Degrees of hearing loss.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Types of hearing loss.
Better Health Channel.Hearing problems in children.
UCSF Health.Hearing loss signs and symptoms.
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.Hearing loss in children.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About noise-induced hearing loss.
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