Understanding hearing loss

If you or someone you care is about is experiencing hearing loss, you'll have lots of questions. Here we explain the different signs, types and causes of hearing loss as well as what to expect during diagnosis and treatment.

Close up of a human ear and side of face

What is hearing loss

About how the ear works, the types and cause of hearing loss, and signs to look out for if you think there's been a change in your hearing.

Woman in foreground sat at a table alone looking unhappy while four other people are talking happily in the background

Effects of hearing loss

Losing hearing can have physical as well as emotional side effects. These can take time to adjust to. We're here to help with support and tips.

A person sat at a desk is holding an ear model and pointing out an area of it to a man sat in front of her

Hearing loss diagnosis

Here's what to expect from hearing tests and the professionals involved in diagnosing hearing loss. This section looks at steps after diagnosis too.  

Hearing loss statistics

Learn more about the number of people affected by deafness and hearing loss in the UK.