Hearing loss
Hearing loss means that it becomes harder to perceive sounds in one or both ears. The symptom may develop slowly over years, as in age-related hearing loss, or appear suddenly, for example due to an ear infection or exposure to loud noise. Hearing loss often shows up in everyday life as difficulty following speech in noisy environments, needing to turn up the TV volume, or other people’s speech sounding unclear.
The most common causes of hearing loss in Finland are aging, exposure to noise, blockage of the ear canal, for example by earwax, and ear infections. In children, the cause may be an ear infection or swelling of the mucous membranes. Hearing loss can also result from an acute injury or rarer diseases. Often the underlying cause is harmless and easy to treat, but sometimes it may be a more serious condition that requires prompt care.
It is important to seek medical evaluation if hearing loss is sudden, or if it is accompanied by pain, dizziness, ear discharge, or other unusual symptoms. Changes in a child’s hearing and recurrent ear infections should also always be assessed by a professional. Timely treatment and rehabilitation can significantly improve quality of life.
Practitioners – Hearing loss
Aila Vuorenmies
Ear, nose and throat diseases
Aki Nevalainen
Ear, nose and throat diseases
Anna-Sofia Arponen
Ear, nose and throat diseases
Anni Koskinen
Ear, nose and throat diseases
Annukka Saloranta
Ear, nose and throat diseases
Anton Fogelholm
Ear, nose and throat diseases
Antti Ruuskanen
Ear, nose and throat diseases
Argyro Bizaki-Vallaskangas
Ear, nose and throat diseases
Ari Köpman
Ear, nose and throat diseases
Ari Kosunen
Ear, nose and throat diseases
Frequently asked questions
How do I know whether hearing loss is dangerous?
If hearing loss is sudden and is accompanied by pain, dizziness, or ear discharge, seek medical evaluation promptly. Have a professional assess the situation.
Can earwax cause hearing loss?
Yes, blockage of the ear canal by earwax is a common and often easily treated cause. If you suspect earwax, book an appointment with a healthcare professional.
How does age affect hearing?
Hearing often weakens with age, especially for high-pitched sounds. Age-related hearing loss is common, and hearing rehabilitation can help with it – discuss this with a professional.
When does a child’s hearing loss need examination?
If a child responds poorly to sounds, speech develops slowly, or the child has frequent ear infections, you should always seek medical evaluation to find the cause.