Hearing loss can range from mild to extreme and may be gradual or sudden. When a hearing loss is gradual, an individual may not notice the loss. He or she may adapt to the loss by using visual cues, such as:
* lip movements,
* facial expressions, and
* body language of the speaker.

Some people will seek help for their hearing loss on their own. Others may be prodded to seek help by family or friends. Parents or teachers often notice that speech or language is not developing normally in a child. This prompts them to obtain a hearing evaluation. Some common complaints by individuals with hearing loss are:
* difficulty hearing over the telephone,
* difficulty hearing in noisy background,
* difficulty hearing speech clearly, and
* confusion about where sounds are coming from.

Hearing loss can be caused by:
* aging,
* injury,
* disease,
* heredity,
* medications, or
* noise.

If a person has difficulty hearing, a physician who specializes in diseases of the ear should be consulted. Some kinds of hearing loss are not reversible. Medical treatment can restore other kinds of hearing loss back to normal. Prompt medical attention is important if the hearing loss is sudden.

To determine the presence of a hearing loss, an audiologistconducts a hearing test that measures:
* how soft a tone a person can detect at various pitches, and
* how well a person can recognize speech at a soft level, as at a listening level.

This testing determines the type and degree of hearing loss. The results are charted on an audiogram. If a hearing loss is detected, hearing aids or other assistive listening devices can often help. An audiologist can also help a person cope with the hearing loss through education, guidance and counseling.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go