Signs of hearing loss and what to do next

Hearing changes often happen so gradually that they’re easy to miss. Here you’ll find the most common signs, the main types, and your next steps.

Sudden hearing change? A sudden drop in hearing is a medical emergency. Seek medical care immediately rather than waiting for a routine hearing evaluation.

A patient reading in one of the green armchairs, her hand at her ear

Common signs of hearing loss

These everyday changes can be reasons to have your hearing checked. A hearing evaluation helps clarify what is happening and which next steps may help.

  1. You often ask people to repeat themselves.
  2. You can hear that someone is talking, but not always what they said.
  3. Conversations are hard to follow in restaurants, at parties or in the car.
  4. Other people say your TV or phone is louder than it needs to be.
  5. You notice ringing, buzzing or other sounds along with a change in your hearing.
Headphones recommended · press play to listen to the sample
Without hearing aidsWith hearing aids
Now hearing

Press play to hear two friends talking in a noisy restaurant, then move the slider to compare the samples. This is a simulation for illustration, not a hearing test or a prediction of your results. Individual results vary.

Types of hearing loss

A hearing evaluation helps identify the type and degree of hearing loss. Some findings also need medical assessment to determine the cause and treatment.

 SensorineuralThe most common permanent typeConductiveOften treatableMixedBoth types together
What happensDamage to the inner ear (the hair cells) or to the hearing nerve.Sound does not pass efficiently through the outer or middle ear to the inner ear.A combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Common causesAge, family history, loud noise over time, some medications, illness or a head injury.Earwax, fluid in the middle ear, ear infections or a hole in the eardrum (perforation).Any mix of the causes of the other two types.
Can it be treated?Usually permanentThis type is usually permanent, and hearing aids may help. Sudden hearing loss needs immediate medical assessment.Often treatableTreatment depends on the cause and may include medical care, earwax removal or surgery.Partly treatableThe conductive component may be treatable. Hearing aids or other care may help with remaining hearing difficulties.
Next stepsHearing evaluation, appropriate medical referral and discussion of hearing aids when suitable.Earwax care when appropriate, or referral for medical assessment. Learn about earwax removal.Assessment of both components, with earwax care, medical referral or hearing aids as appropriate.

Tinnitus is the perception of sound without an external source. It often occurs with hearing loss. There is no universal cure, but some cases improve when an underlying cause is treated. When hearing loss is present, hearing aids may help make tinnitus less noticeable. Learn about tinnitus care.

Your health history and medications can be relevant to changes in hearing. Share this information at your evaluation so we can discuss appropriate next steps and any need for medical referral.

What to do next

If you have noticed gradual changes or ongoing difficulty hearing, a hearing evaluation can help you understand your options.

  1. Book a hearing evaluation

    One of our Florida-licensed Hearing Aid Specialists will discuss your concerns, test your hearing and explain the results.

  2. Your results, explained

    We show you your audiogram, the chart of your hearing test, and explain what it means. You’re welcome to bring a family member or friend.

  3. Talk through your options

    Depending on your results, the next step may be earwax care, a medical referral or hearing aids. If hearing aids are appropriate, we’ll compare options suited to your hearing, daily life, preferences and budget.

  1. Hearing testsWhat happens during a hearing evaluation at our office.
  2. Hearing aidsExplore hearing aid styles, features and manufacturers.
A patient in headphones in the sound booth, holding the response button
The sound booth where we test your hearing.

What patients say

Toni made me feel very comfortable doing my hearing test I'm even chlosterphobic and i was able to do my test bc she was so calm and she NEEDS A RAISE and A GIFT BASKET I HIGHLY RECOMMEND COMING to THIS ALTAMONTE FAMILY HEARING CENTER I REALLY LIKE TONI SHE IS SO GOOD AT HER JOB

Ashley HarrisGoogle

Omg!!!! Jaycee is absolutely the best! I have been dealing with hard of hearing for years and today because of Jaycee I can hear. He was super patient, polite and went above and beyond to make sure I left with my hearing aids the same day. Side note I drove 2hrs to see him and I don’t regret it!

Francesse ChreryGoogle

Questions about hearing loss

Can hearing loss happen suddenly?

Yes. A sudden drop in hearing, whether it happens at once or over a few days, needs immediate medical attention. Do not wait for a routine hearing evaluation. Prompt assessment and treatment can improve the chance of recovery.

Does hearing loss always get worse?

Hearing loss can be stable, fluctuate or change over time, depending on its cause. A hearing evaluation provides a baseline, and follow-up testing can help track changes. If you notice a sudden change, seek medical care immediately.

Can I protect the hearing I have?

Reduce exposure to loud sound, keep headphone volume down and use hearing protection when needed. Hearing checks can help track changes, although not every cause of hearing loss can be prevented.

Contact us

Book a hearing evaluation

Book your hearing evaluation online or call our office to schedule an appointment. Missed calls are returned within one business day.

715 Douglas Ave, Suite 45Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 · inside One Senior Place
407-949-6737English and Spanish
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pmClosed for lunch, 12:00 to 1:00 pmWalk-in cleanings and minor repairs, 1:00 to 2:00 pm

Send us a message

Book online instead

We reply within one business day.