About one in six people has some degree of hearing loss. Many people who live with hearing loss experience a drop in self-esteem and confidence, because reduced hearing can make it harder to communicate with others. It can also make learning to speak a new language more difficult.
Hearing loss simply means reduced hearing, and it has many possible causes. It may be present from birth (congenital) or develop later in life (acquired), and it can range from mild to profound.
How hearing loss affects people#
Hearing loss can affect a person in several ways:
- Emotional effects, such as a drop in self-esteem and confidence
- Fewer educational and job opportunities, because communication is harder
- Social withdrawal, due to difficulty taking part in conversations and reaching services
Types of hearing loss#
There are two main types of hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss#
Conductive hearing loss is caused by obstructions or problems in the outer or middle ear. It can be caused by:
- Impacted ear wax
- Outer or middle ear infections
- A damaged ear drum
Sensorineural hearing loss#
Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells in the inner ear. It can be caused by:
- Ageing
- Exposure to loud noise, such as machinery or loud music
- Certain chemicals and medications, known as ototoxic medications
- Diseases such as meningitis
Other disorders of the ear#
Some related ear conditions include:
- Tinnitus - noises or ringing in the ears or head
- Meniere’s disease - symptoms may include vertigo (dizziness), tinnitus, hearing loss and nausea
- Acoustic neuroma - a benign (non-cancerous) tumour on the acoustic nerve
Tips for speaking to a person with hearing loss#
The following tips may help when you talk with a person who has hearing loss:
- Get the person’s attention first
- Face the person and stand close to them
- Keep light on your face and do not cover your mouth
- Speak a little more slowly than usual
- Raise your voice if you need to, but try not to shout
- Speak expressively and use face, hand and body movements
- Be ready to use a pen and paper
Communication tips if you have hearing loss#
If you have hearing loss, these tips may help others communicate with you:
- Tell people about your hearing loss
- Ask people to speak clearly
- Encourage others to face you, speak up or speak more slowly
- Ask people to gain your attention before they start talking
- Ask questions about anything you missed
- Suggest that the speaker rephrase information you did not catch
Key points#
- Hearing loss means reduced hearing, and it has many possible causes
- It can affect a person emotionally, socially, and through fewer educational and job opportunities
- Conductive hearing loss is caused by obstructions or problems in the outer or middle ear, such as impacted ear wax
- Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells in the inner ear
Where to get help#
Sources & further reading
For evidence-based global guidance on this topic, consult authoritative public-health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), CDC, NHS, and ECDC.