Hearing Health
Understand common hearing conditions, learn how to protect your hearing, and get practical advice on NHS services, hearing aids, and more.
Hearing Conditions
In-depth information on 15 hearing and ear conditions, including symptoms, causes, treatments, and when to seek help.
Hearing Loss
A common condition affecting around 12 million adults in the UK, hearing loss ranges from mild difficulty following conversations to profound deafness.
Read moreTinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of sound — such as ringing, buzzing, or hissing — when there is no external source. It affects around 7.1 million people in the UK.
Read moreAge-Related Hearing Loss
Presbycusis is the gradual loss of hearing that occurs as people get older, typically affecting high-frequency sounds first. It is the most common cause of hearing loss in the UK.
Read moreNoise-Induced Hearing Loss
Permanent hearing damage caused by exposure to loud sounds, whether from a single intense event or prolonged exposure over time. It is entirely preventable.
Read moreEar Infections
Infections of the outer ear (otitis externa) or middle ear (otitis media) are common, particularly in children. They can cause temporary hearing loss, pain, and discharge.
Read moreMeniere's Disease
A chronic inner ear condition causing episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. It most commonly affects people aged 20-60.
Read moreOtosclerosis
A condition where abnormal bone growth in the middle ear prevents the stapes bone from vibrating normally, causing progressive conductive hearing loss.
Read moreGlue Ear
Glue ear (otitis media with effusion) is a build-up of sticky fluid in the middle ear, common in young children. It is the most frequent cause of hearing loss in childhood.
Read moreAuditory Processing Disorder
APD is a condition where the brain has difficulty processing and interpreting sounds, even though hearing itself may be normal. It affects an estimated 2-7% of children.
Read moreSudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
SSHL is a rapid loss of hearing, usually in one ear, that develops within 72 hours. It is a medical emergency requiring urgent treatment for the best chance of recovery.
Read moreAcoustic Neuroma
A benign (non-cancerous) tumour growing on the vestibulocochlear nerve. It is slow-growing and can cause gradual hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance problems.
Read moreHyperacusis
Hyperacusis is an increased sensitivity to everyday sounds that most people can tolerate comfortably. It can cause physical discomfort or pain and significantly affect quality of life.
Read moreEar Wax Build-Up
Cerumen impaction occurs when ear wax accumulates and blocks the ear canal, causing hearing loss, discomfort, and tinnitus. It is one of the most common ear problems seen by GPs.
Read morePerforated Eardrum
A hole or tear in the tympanic membrane (eardrum), which can cause hearing loss, pain, and increased susceptibility to ear infections. Most perforations heal on their own.
Read moreCholesteatoma
A cholesteatoma is an abnormal collection of skin cells that grows behind the eardrum in the middle ear. Left untreated, it can erode bone and cause serious complications.
Read moreOtitis Media
Otitis media is an infection or inflammation of the middle ear, common in children but also affecting adults. It can cause ear pain, temporary hearing loss, and fever.
Read moreEustachian Tube Dysfunction
Eustachian tube dysfunction occurs when the tubes connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat become blocked or fail to open properly, causing pressure, pain, and muffled hearing.
Read moreMisophonia
Misophonia is a condition where specific everyday sounds — such as chewing, breathing, or clicking — trigger intense emotional reactions including anger, anxiety, or disgust.
Read moreVestibular Neuritis
Vestibular neuritis is an inner ear condition caused by inflammation of the vestibular nerve, leading to sudden, severe vertigo that can last several days.
Read moreLabyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is inflammation of the labyrinth in the inner ear, causing sudden vertigo combined with hearing loss and tinnitus — distinguishing it from vestibular neuritis.
Read moreSwimmer's Ear
Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal, commonly caused by water exposure. It causes pain, itching, discharge, and temporary hearing loss.
Read moreBarotrauma
Ear barotrauma is pressure-related damage to the ear caused by rapid changes in altitude or depth, commonly experienced during flying, diving, or driving through mountains.
Read moreHearing Guides
Practical, evidence-based guides covering hearing tests, audiograms, hearing aids, NHS services, and more.
How Often Should You Have a Hearing Test?
Regular hearing checks are important for maintaining ear health. Learn how often you should book a hearing test based on your age, occupation, and risk factors.
Read guideHow to Prepare for a Hearing Test
Knowing what to expect at a hearing test can help you feel prepared and get the most accurate results. Here is a practical guide to getting ready.
Read guideUnderstanding Your Audiogram Results
An audiogram is a graph that shows the softest sounds you can hear at different pitches. Learn how to read and interpret your hearing test results.
Read guideChoosing the Right Hearing Aids
A practical UK guide to choosing hearing aids — from understanding the types available on the NHS and privately to finding the right features for your lifestyle.
Read guideProtecting Your Hearing
Noise-induced hearing loss is entirely preventable. Learn practical steps to protect your hearing at work, at home, and during leisure activities.
Read guideSigns You Might Have Hearing Loss
Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it easy to miss. Learn the common signs that suggest your hearing may have changed.
Read guideGuide to NHS Hearing Services
Everything you need to know about accessing free hearing tests, hearing aids, and ongoing hearing care through the NHS in the UK.
Read guideLiving with Hearing Aids: Tips & Advice
Practical advice for getting the most from your hearing aids — from the adjustment period to daily care, troubleshooting, and making the most of modern features.
Read guideChildren's Hearing Development Milestones
Understanding the key hearing and speech development milestones from birth to school age helps parents identify potential hearing concerns early.
Read guideWorkplace Hearing Safety Guide
A practical guide to UK workplace hearing safety regulations, employer responsibilities, employee rights, and how to protect your hearing at work.
Read guideHearing Aid Batteries: A Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about hearing aid batteries — from zinc-air sizes and colour codes to rechargeable options, battery life, and tips for extending performance.
Read guideFlying with Hearing Aids
A practical guide to wearing hearing aids during air travel — covering airport security, cabin pressure, in-flight communication, and tips for a comfortable journey.
Read guideHearing Aid Maintenance and Care
A practical guide to daily hearing aid care, cleaning, moisture protection, servicing, and troubleshooting common problems to keep your aids performing at their best.
Read guideTelecoils and Hearing Loops: Your Complete Guide
How telecoils (T-coils) and hearing loop systems work, where they are installed across the UK, and how to use them to hear more clearly in public spaces.
Read guideHearing Tests for Babies: What Parents Need to Know
A guide to newborn hearing screening in the UK, including AABR and OAE tests, what the results mean, and what happens if your baby is referred for further assessment.
Read guideCommunication Tips for Living with Hearing Loss
Practical strategies for people with hearing loss and their families — including lip reading, clear speech, reducing background noise, and making conversations easier.
Read guideHearing Aid Bluetooth Connectivity and Apps
How to connect hearing aids to your phone, stream audio, and use manufacturer apps from Oticon, Phonak, Signia, Starkey, and others for a better listening experience.
Read guideGetting Used to New Hearing Aids: What to Expect
A realistic guide to the adjustment period when you start wearing hearing aids — what to expect in the first weeks, common challenges, and when to go back to your audiologist.
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