Hearing loss may be conductive (sound cannot pass through the ear canal or middle ear — e.g. wax, fluid, perforation) or sensorineural (inner ear or nerve). Tinnitus is the sensation of ringing, buzzing or hissing without an outside sound, and often accompanies hearing loss.
Ear Condition
Hearing Loss & Tinnitus
Difficulty hearing, often with ringing or buzzing in the ears — many causes are treatable when identified early.
Overview
Common symptoms
- Asking people to repeat themselves
- Turning up the TV volume
- Difficulty hearing in noisy places
- Ringing, buzzing or hissing in the ear
- Ear fullness
Common causes
- Ear wax impaction
- Fluid behind the ear drum or ear infections
- Ear drum perforation
- Age-related hearing loss
- Noise exposure
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (needs urgent treatment)
How it is diagnosed
Ear examination and endoscopy
Pure tone audiometry
Tympanometry (middle ear test)
Further tests or scans when needed
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause: wax removal, medicines for infection, myringotomy for fluid, myringoplasty for perforation, or hearing aids for permanent nerve-related loss. Sudden hearing loss should be treated as an emergency.
Surgical treatment options
See a doctor promptly if you have:
- Sudden hearing loss in one ear — see a doctor within 24–48 hours
- Hearing loss with giddiness
- Ringing in one ear only
- Hearing loss with ear discharge
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Early treatment (within days) gives the best chance of recovery.
It depends on the cause. Treating the underlying ear problem often helps; many people also benefit from sound therapy and reassurance.
This page is for general patient information and does not replace a medical consultation. The right treatment depends on your examination and test results.
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