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Everyday signs
- I ask people to repeat themselves.
- I turn up the TV or phone volume more than others.
- I struggle to follow talk in noisy places.
- Speech sounds mumbled.
Ear signs
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears.
- My ear feels blocked.
- I use earphones loudly for long hours.
Red flags
- Sudden hearing loss in one ear.
- Ear pain, discharge or a bad smell.
- Hearing loss with dizziness.
What your ticks may mean
Hearing loss may be due to wax, fluid behind the eardrum, noise or age. A hearing test maps exactly which sounds you are missing. A hearing aid works best when it is set to that map.
See a doctor the same day if
You have sudden hearing loss in one ear. It is an emergency, and early treatment matters.