What is hearing loss?

Hearing loss happens when part of the hearing system stops picking up or processing sound as well as it once did. It can involve one ear or both, and it may be temporary or ongoing. Hearing changes are common in Australia — around 1 in 6 people are affected, and this proportion rises with age.

What are the main types of hearing loss?

Audiologists generally group hearing loss into three types, based on where along the hearing pathway the change occurs:

• Conductive — sound is blocked from passing through the outer or middle ear, sometimes by earwax, fluid, or a middle-ear issue. This type is often temporary and may be managed medically.
• Sensorineural — the tiny hair cells in the inner ear or the hearing nerve are affected. This is the most common ongoing type and is frequently linked to ageing or noise exposure.
• Mixed — a combination of conductive and sensorineural changes happening together.

How is the degree of hearing loss described?

Hearing is measured in decibels and grouped into broad ranges — mild, moderate, severe, and profound. Someone with a mild change might find it hard to follow conversation in a noisy café, while a more significant change can make everyday speech difficult even in quiet rooms. The pattern also matters. Many people hear low tones reasonably well but miss higher-pitched sounds, such as children's voices or consonants like "s", "f" and "th", which can make speech seem muffled rather than simply quiet.

What are common signs to look out for?

Because hearing changes often develop slowly, they can be easy to overlook at first. Some things people commonly notice include:

• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
• Turning the television or radio up louder than family members prefer
• Struggling to follow group conversations or busy environments
• A sense that people are mumbling
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)

Family members sometimes notice these signs before the person does, which is why a gentle conversation can be a helpful prompt to get things checked.

What can be done about it?

The right approach depends on the type and cause, which is why a professional assessment is a sensible first step. Some conductive causes, such as earwax build-up, may be resolved fairly simply. Sensorineural hearing loss is usually ongoing, but many people find that hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and practical communication strategies can noticeably improve day-to-day hearing and help them stay connected with the people around them.

It is also worth knowing what tends to lead to hearing changes. Common contributors include the natural ageing process, cumulative exposure to loud noise over a lifetime, some ear conditions and infections, certain medications, and family history. Because several of these overlap, two people with similar audiograms can have quite different underlying stories. This is another reason a personalised assessment is more useful than general information alone — it looks at your ears, your history, and your listening needs together. Acting sooner rather than later also gives you more time to explore options at your own pace and to keep doing the things you enjoy.

If you have noticed changes in your hearing, a hearing assessment can identify what is happening and which options may suit your situation. At Hearing Help in Newport Marketplace on the Redcliffe Peninsula, you can book an assessment without a referral, and a qualified audiologist can talk through your results and any next steps in plain language.