Hearing Loss / Blocked Ears

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a common concern seen at our ENT clinic. It can occur at any age and may have many different causes. Some types of hearing loss are temporary, while others are permanent. Early assessment helps identify the underlying cause and guides appropriate management.

Causes of Hearing Loss

Children may experience hearing loss due to:

Congenital hearing loss, meaning present from birth.
Impacted ear wax, when excessive ear wax blocks sound from entering the ear.
Ear infections, which can be bacterial or fungal and may follow skin injury or persistent moisture in the ear.
Glue ear, where fluid builds up in the middle ear after a cold or allergy. Some children recover naturally, but persistent cases may need fluid drainage and ventilation tube insertion.

Adults may develop hearing loss because of:

Noise-induced hearing loss, from exposure to loud sounds over time.
Age-related degeneration, where ageing affects the hearing organ.
Impacted ear wax or ear infections.
Holes in the eardrum (perforations).
Glue ear, fluid in the middle ear that does not clear.
Sudden hearing loss, which usually requires urgent assessment.

Types of Hearing Loss

Conductive Hearing Loss

This type happens when sound cannot travel normally through the outer or middle ear. Possible reasons include impacted ear wax, infection, fluid in the middle ear, or eardrum perforation. Patients may feel that sounds are muffled or that their own voice seems louder than usual.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

This involves the inner ear or the hearing nerve pathways to the brain. It may cause difficulty hearing speech clearly, especially in noisy environments, and word discrimination can be affected. Causes include age-related changes, viral injury to the inner ear, nerve damage, or tumours affecting the auditory nerve.

How We Diagnose Hearing Loss

Diagnosis begins with a detailed history and physical examination. This may include:

Ear examination

To check for wax, infection or structural issues.
Hearing tests (audiometry)

To assess the degree and type of hearing loss.
Imaging or additional tests

when structural or nerve causes are suspected.
Assessment of associated symptoms

such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or vertigo, to determine if more than one condition is present.

Treatment and Management

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of hearing loss:

Wax and Ear Canal Blockages
Safe removal of impacted wax can restore hearing when wax is the sole cause.
Infections and Middle Ear Fluid
Infections may be treated with appropriate ear drops or antibiotics. Fluid in the middle ear may resolve on its own or be managed with ventilation tubes in persistent cases.
Noise-Induced or Age-Related Hearing Loss
These types are usually permanent but can be managed with hearing aids or other assistive devices to improve communication.
Sudden Hearing Loss
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is considered urgent. Early evaluation and treatment may improve chances of recovery. Some cases may be treated with medication under specialist care.
Hearing Rehabilitation
Hearing aids, cochlear implants or other assistive technologies may be recommended based on the type and degree of hearing loss. Specialist fitting and ongoing support help maximise benefit.

Practical Tips for Hearing Health

Avoid prolonged exposure to loud noise and use protective ear gear in noisy environments.
Keep ears dry and avoid inserting objects into the ear canal.
Attend regular hearing assessments if you are at higher risk, such as older adults or those in noisy occupations.
Treat ear infections and ear discomfort early to avoid long-term damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I see an ENT specialist for hearing loss?

You should seek assessment if hearing loss persists, affects daily communication, or is associated with sudden onset, pain, discharge, tinnitus or dizziness.

2. Is all hearing loss permanent?

Not all hearing loss is permanent. Blockages and infections can often be improved or resolved. Some types such as age-related and noise-induced hearing loss are permanent but can be managed with devices.

3. What is sudden hearing loss?

Sudden hearing loss is a rapid reduction in hearing over hours or days. It is a medical priority and requires prompt specialist review.

4. Can children outgrow glue ear?

Mild glue ear often resolves on its own. Persistent glue ear may require surgical management to improve hearing and prevent delay in speech development.

5. Do hearing aids help?

Yes. Hearing aids can improve sound perception when the inner ear or nerve pathways are affected. Your ENT specialist will advise if hearing aids are appropriate for you.

Next Steps

If you have concerns about reduced hearing, difficulty understanding speech, or sudden changes in hearing, schedule a consultation at My ENT Specialist. Our team will assess your hearing, identify the cause and recommend a personalised management plan to help you communicate with confidence.