Unaddressed hearing loss can affect communication, participation, wellbeing and quality of life, with wider consequences for families, workplaces and society. Making hearing checks and professional hearing care accessible can support earlier action and help hearing health become a more routine part of preventive healthcare.
Protecting your hearing
Because changes in hearing often develop gradually, the first signs can be easy to miss. Difficulty following conversations in noisy environments, frequently asking people to repeat themselves, or experiencing ringing or buzzing in the ears can all be signs that it is time to check your hearing.
Prevention
Exposure to excessive noise can damage the sensitive structures of the inner ear and affect hearing over time. Reducing exposure to loud sounds and using appropriate hearing protection, such as earplugs or protective earmuffs, can help protect your hearing.
Noise exposure at work can be an important preventable risk to hearing health, making appropriate protection essential. If you regularly work around loud machinery or other high noise levels, use the hearing protection and safety measures provided. Employers can also help by reducing exposure where possible and providing regular information and training on protecting hearing at work.
Certain medications can also affect hearing as a side effect. If you take medication that may affect your hearing, follow your healthcare professional’s advice and speak to them if you notice any changes. Do not stop taking prescribed medication without medical guidance.
The WHO recommends systematic hearing screening at strategic points in life, particularly for older people and those at greater risk of hearing loss. Early identification and access to appropriate hearing care can help people maintain communication, independence, social participation and quality of life.
Hearing screening
An important part of hearing health at every age
If you notice a change in your hearing, a hearing assessment with a qualified hearing care professional can provide greater clarity about your hearing needs.
Early identification makes it possible to explore appropriate hearing care and support sooner. This can help people remain connected, communicate confidently and continue participating in family, social and working life.
Regular hearing screening at different stages of life can support earlier identification of hearing needs. Where hearing loss is identified, timely access to professional care and appropriate hearing technologies can help people achieve the best possible outcomes.
Newborn screening
A small number of babies are born with hearing loss. Causes vary and can include genetic factors, complications before or around birth, infections during pregnancy and other medical factors.
In many countries, newborn hearing screening is offered during the first days of a baby’s life. The screening is quick and painless and typically involves soft probes placed in the ears or small sensors placed on the baby’s head to check how the hearing system responds to sound.
During childhood
Hearing loss can also develop during childhood, for example as a result of ear infections or other health conditions. Parents and caregivers can support early identification by paying attention to key communication and developmental milestones and seeking professional advice if they have concerns about a child’s hearing.
Schools and healthcare systems can also play an important role through hearing screening programmes. Screening during the preschool and school years, followed by appropriate professional care where needed, can help identify hearing difficulties and common ear conditions early.
For older adults
Hearing loss becomes increasingly common with age. Around one in five people aged 65–74 experience hearing difficulties, rising to more than one in three among those aged over 74. Regular hearing checks can therefore become an increasingly important part of maintaining hearing health and supporting healthy ageing.
Finding a hearing care professional
Audiologists and other qualified hearing care professionals can assess your hearing and help identify the most appropriate care or hearing technology for your individual needs. During an initial appointment, they will usually discuss your medical and hearing history, including possible genetic factors, health conditions and previous exposure to noise. They may also examine your ear canal and eardrum before carrying out a hearing assessment.
