Effects of hearing loss

Explore the physical and emotional impacts of hearing loss. Find useful information about tinnitus, balance issues and the types of emotional responses experienced when you experience changes in your hearing.

Physical effects

Hearing loss can come with other physical conditions such as tinnitus or balance issues. Learn more about these and the steps to take toward understanding hearing health.

Tinnitus

Around 1 in 7 people in the UK are affected by tinnitus. Here are some tips on living with tinnitus.

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Ear infections

Hearing loss is common symptom of ear infections. In most cases, it is likely to be temporary and go away after treatment. This page looks at causes and how to avoid future infections.

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Balance disorders

Common types of balance disorder include Meniere's Disease and Labyrinthitis.

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Emotional effects

Hearing loss can have a significant impact on relationships, work, and mental health. It can lead to feelings of isolation, misunderstandings, and challenges in communication at work and at home. Learn more about how it can impact on you. 

Common reactions to hearing loss

Members of our community share examples of how their relationships have been changed by hearing loss. 

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Acceptance of hearing loss

Sylvia shares a personal view of the stages of reaching acceptance about her hearing loss.

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Communication tips

If your friends or family are finding it hard to adjust to your hearing loss, here are some tips to pass to them to help them understand. 

7 top tips
Two people sat on a bench outside chatting, one of them had a hearing dog wearing a qualified jacket