Listen Up! How to Protect Your Hearing and Support World Hearing Day

How common is hearing loss, who is most at risk, and what medical conditions are linked to it?

Hearing loss is more common than many realise, affecting over 1.5 billion people worldwide, with nearly 430 million experiencing disabling hearing loss. By 2050, this figure is expected to rise to 2.5 billion. Age is a key factor, with one in three adults over 65 affected, rising to one in two by age 75. However, hearing loss can occur at any age. In adults, the most common cause is age-related hearing loss (presbycusis), often made worse by long-term noise exposure from loud work environments or recreational activities.

Other risk factors include:

• Genetics can also increase risk, particularly for those with a family history of hearing loss. Additionally, certain medical conditions — including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and vasculitis — can impair hearing by affecting blood flow to the inner ear. Some medications, such as high-dose aspirin, certain chemotherapy drugs, gentamicin, and diuretics, are also known to be ototoxic, meaning they can damage hearing.
• Lifestyle factors like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption further raise the risk of hearing loss. In some cases, hearing loss can result from complications of ear surgery (referred to as iatrogenic hearing loss) or trauma, such as head injuries or sudden exposure to loud noise.

Given the wide range of possible causes, understanding personal risk factors and adopting preventive habits — such as regular hearing checks, noise protection, and healthy lifestyle choices — can help lower the likelihood of developing hearing loss at any age.

How can people get their hearing tested, when should they start, and how frequently should they be tested?

Hearing loss can occur at any age, so early identification and regular monitoring are essential. Hearing test frequency varies by age. Those under 40 should have a check every 10 years, increasing to every 5 years between 40 and 60, and every 1 to 2 years after 60, even without symptoms.

Hearing tests are available through community providers like Specsavers and Boots, which offer self-referral appointments. For more complex cases, GP referrals to hospital audiology departments ensure further investigation and specialist care. Regular testing and prompt action if changes occur help protect long-term hearing health.

What should patients expect during a hearing test?

Tests can vary in terms of length. Generally speaking, most tests will take 15-20 minutes, and this includes hearing thresholds at different frequencies, but also a test to assess the movement of your ear drum. 

What are the most common treatment options for hearing Loss? Can hearing loss be reversed, or is it always permanent?

Treatment options for hearing loss depend on the cause and severity, with some cases being reversible and others requiring long-term management. Hearing loss caused by earwax buildup can often be reversed through microsuctioning, while infections may improve with topical or oral antibiotics. In cases of perforated eardrums, surgery may help, though its primary goal is usually to prevent infections rather than fully restore hearing.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) — a rapid, unexplained loss of hearing — may respond to oral or intra-tympanic steroids, especially if treated quickly. However, many cases of age-related or noise-induced hearing loss are permanent. For mild to moderate cases, hearing aids are the most common treatment, available in various styles like in-the-ear (ITE), behind-the-ear (BTE), and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) devices.

For severe to profound hearing loss, cochlear implants can bypass damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. In cases of single-sided deafness, conductive hearing loss, or chronic ear infections, bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) may be suitable. These devices transmit sound directly to the inner ear through a small implant in the skull, bypassing damaged structures. While some types of hearing loss can be reversed, many are permanent and require ongoing management and support.

Steps to protect your hearing in daily life

While some causes of hearing loss are unavoidable, many cases can be prevented through simple steps and lifestyle adjustments. To minimise your chances of developing hearing loss, consider the following:

• Avoid exposure to loud noises, both short bursts (such as fireworks or concerts) and prolonged exposure (like noisy workplaces or ongoing loud music through headphones).
• Reduce the risk of ear infections by taking water precautions, such as using earplugs when swimming if you are prone to infections.
• Be cautious when using ototoxic medications (those known to harm hearing), particularly if you already have hearing concerns. Always discuss the potential risks with your doctor.
• Practise secondary prevention by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, controlling blood pressure, managing diabetes, and keeping cholesterol levels in check all contribute to better circulation, which supports healthy hearing.

Why is early detection of hearing loss so important?

Hearing plays a crucial role in communication and maintaining social connections. When hearing loss is left untreated, it can lead to social isolation, reduced confidence, and a decline in mental health. Studies have also shown a link between untreated hearing loss and faster cognitive decline, particularly in those at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Additionally, the earlier hearing loss is detected, the more treatment options may be available. Whether it’s addressing a reversible cause, fitting a hearing aid, or exploring advanced treatments like cochlear implants, timely diagnosis gives patients the best chance at preserving their hearing and maintaining a high quality of life.

What advice would you give to someone hesitant about seeking help for hearing issues?

If you—or your family—suspect you may have hearing loss, getting tested is a simple, low-risk first step. While seeking help can feel daunting for some, especially with the persistent stigma surrounding hearing loss, the benefits far outweigh the discomfort. A basic hearing test can provide clarity and reassurance, and if treatment is needed, even small interventions can lead to significant improvements in communication, confidence, and overall quality of life.

Take action on your hearing health

Hearing loss is more common than many realise — but you are not alone, and in many cases, it is preventable, manageable, and treatable. Whether your hearing concerns stem from wax buildup, infections, or the need for grommet insertion, Get Well Soon offers expert care to help restore your hearing health.

Your ability to hear is essential for maintaining relationships, quality of life, and overall well-being, making it just as important as your vision, balance, and other senses.

By protecting your hearing, getting regular checks, and seeking prompt treatment — including specialised procedures like grommet insertion — you can preserve your hearing and stay connected to the world around you.