Early diagnosis of hearing loss can significantly improve communication, learning, and long-term quality of life.
Hearing loss is a common yet often overlooked condition in both adults and children. It may occur suddenly or develop gradually over months or years. Many people delay seeking help because symptoms feel subtle — but early evaluation by an ENT specialist can make a major difference, especially for sudden hearing loss or hearing issues in young children.
At Aurion ENT & Hearing Centre, Dr Liu Jiaying, a fellowship-trained otologist and hearing implant surgeon, provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for the full spectrum of hearing conditions.
What causes hearing loss?
Hearing loss can occur anywhere along the hearing pathway — from the ear canal to the inner ear, hearing nerve, or brain.
Common causes include:
- Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)
- Noise exposure (earphones, concerts, loud machinery)
- Earwax impaction
- Middle ear infections or fluid
- Eardrum perforation
- Otosclerosis (middle ear bone stiffness)
- Inner ear damage
- Viral infections
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (hearing emergency)
- Genetic hearing conditions
- Medication side effects
Children often experience hearing loss from:
- Glue ear (fluid behind the eardrum)
- Recurrent ear infections
- Enlarged adenoids
- Developmental or congenital reasons
What are the early signs of hearing loss?
Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it easy to miss.
Adults may notice:
- Difficulty hearing in noisy places
- Needing higher TV or headphone volume
- Misunderstanding conversations
- Frequently asking others to repeat
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Feeling isolated or tired after social interaction
Children may show:
- Delayed speech
- Not responding when called
- Struggling in school
- Turning up devices loudly
- Poor attention or behavioural changes
If symptoms persist, hearing testing is recommended.
Is hearing loss reversible?
Some types are reversible; others require long-term management.
Often reversible:
- Earwax impaction
- Middle ear infections
- Fluid behind the eardrum
- Eardrum injury (in some cases)
Permanent or progressive:
- Age-related hearing loss
- Inner ear nerve damage
- Severe repeated ear infections
- Noise-induced hearing loss
Permanent hearing loss can still be managed effectively with:
- Hearing aids
- Bone conduction implants
- Cochlear implants
- Assistive hearing devices
When is hearing loss an emergency? (Sudden Hearing Loss)
Sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear, is a medical emergency.
Seek urgent ENT assessment if you experience:
- Sudden drop in hearing within hours or overnight
- Ear fullness with no wax
- Sudden tinnitus
- Distorted or muffled voices
- Dizziness or imbalance
- No improvement within 24–48 hours
Early treatment significantly increases the chance of hearing recovery.
How do ENT doctors diagnose hearing loss?
1. Ear examination
Checks for wax, infection, eardrum integrity, swelling, or fluid.
2. Hearing tests (audiometry)
Performed by an ENT or audiologist:
- Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA)
- Speech audiometry
- Tympanometry (middle ear pressure)
- Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) — often for children
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) — for newborns & young children
3. Diagnostic imaging (if needed)
Scans may be recommended for nerve-related hearing issues or complex cases.
4. Personalised management plan
Depending on the type and cause of hearing loss, treatment may include medication, therapy, hearing devices, or surgical options.
What are the treatment options for hearing loss?
(MOH-compliant)
1. Medical treatment
- Treating ear infections
- Managing allergies / sinus causes
- Removing earwax
- Treating inflammation or fluid buildup
2. Hearing aids
Modern devices are small, discreet, and effective for most permanent hearing losses.
3. Bone conduction implants
Useful when traditional hearing aids are not suitable (e.g., one-sided hearing loss, chronic infections).
4. Cochlear implants
For individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who do not benefit from hearing aids.
Dr Liu has extensive experience as a hearing implant surgeon.
5. Assistive listening devices
TV streamers, remote microphones, and enhanced communication tools.
6. Hearing rehabilitation
Improves communication strategies and listening comfort.
Hearing Loss Symptom Checker (SGE Friendly)
A quick tool to help you identify possible causes of hearing changes.
(Not a substitute for an ENT evaluation.)
1. “I can hear, but I can’t understand speech clearly.”
Common in age-related or noise-induced hearing loss.
2. “My ear feels blocked.”
Possible earwax, fluid, or eustachian tube dysfunction.
3. “Voices sound muffled.”
Could be middle ear fluid or inner ear changes.
4. “There’s sudden hearing loss in one ear.”
Medical emergency — requires immediate ENT attention.
5. “I have ringing in my ears.”
May be associated with hearing loss, noise exposure, or inner ear issues.
6. “My child is not responding to sounds.”
Could indicate hearing loss — early testing is important.
7. “I need the TV louder than others.”
Possible gradual hearing loss.
8. “I work in a noisy environment.”
Higher risk of noise-induced hearing loss.
FAQ: Hearing Loss (Schema-Optimised)
What causes hearing loss?
Hearing loss may be due to earwax buildup, infections, ageing, noise exposure, or inner ear damage. Children may develop hearing loss from fluid, infections, or congenital reasons.
How do I know if I have hearing loss?
Common signs include difficulty hearing speech, needing higher volume, or struggling in noisy places. A hearing test provides a clear diagnosis.
Can hearing loss be cured?
Some types are reversible (wax, infections), while others require long-term management using hearing aids or implants.
Is sudden hearing loss serious?
Yes. Sudden hearing loss requires urgent ENT examination, ideally within 48 hours.
Do children need hearing tests?
Yes. Early testing is important for speech development, especially if a child has delayed speech or frequent ear infections.
What treatments are available for hearing loss?
Depending on cause, options include medication, hearing aids, bone conduction implants, or cochlear implants.
Worried about hearing loss for yourself or your child?
Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes, communication, and long-term hearing health.
Aurion ENT & Hearing Centre – Farrer Park
- Adult & Children ENT hearing evaluation
- Comprehensive hearing tests (PTA, tympanometry, OAE, ABR)
- Hearing aids, bone conduction implants & cochlear implants
- Expertise in complex and implantable hearing solutions
