If your hearing isn't what it used to be, you're not alone. One in six people in the UK has hearing loss or is deaf, and more and more people are getting the help they need to hear better.
This section explains the different types and causes of hearing loss and deafness, and what action you can take if you're losing your hearing – from seeing your GP to getting hearing aids or a cochlear implant. We tell you what's involved at every step of your journey to hearing better.
Hearing loss usually happens gradually, so you may not notice it at first.
If you think you may have hearing loss, taking our hearing check and seeing your GP can be the first steps to getting a diagnosis and the help you need to manage your condition.
This section explains the different types and causes of sensorineural hearing loss.
If you're losing your hearing and struggling to communicate, you may find that your quality of life is affected. Hearing aids and other forms of management can help you to regain your confidence.
There are other conditions that affect or associated with hearing loss. This page covers some of these such as auditory processing disorder, hyperacusis and trauma.
We know people are more comfortable with some words than others when describing their own deafness or hearing loss. It's not a definitive list - please suggest any words or phrases you think are important: webteam@hearingloss.org.uk.
