The outer or middle ear
Conductive hearing loss
Sound can't travel well to the inner ear. Things may sound muffled. Common causes are an ear infection, earwax or an injury.
Earwax can be removed in clinic. Other causes may need your GP.
A plain guide to hearing loss
Signs of hearing loss, and what to do next
Maybe people seem to mumble, or the TV is louder. Here are the signs to look for. Our audiologists are happy to explain more.
Things you may have noticed
Common signs of hearing loss
Most people spot small changes in everyday life first. Here are the most common ones.
Wondering about your own hearing?
- People seem to mumble or sound muffled
- Noisy places make conversation hard to follow
- You often ask people to repeat themselves
- You hear people better when facing them
- The TV is louder than others like
- You miss the phone or the doorbell
- Your ears ring or buzz at times
- Loud sounds feel harsher than they did
Wondering about a partner or parent?
- They have the TV up quite loud
- They often ask you to repeat yourself
- They say other people seem to mumble
- They go quiet when groups are talking
- They miss the phone or the doorbell
- They hear you better when facing you
This list is a guide only, not a hearing test. If some feel familiar, a hearing test can tell you more.
Book an appointmentHearing changes over time
Why hearing loss is hard to notice
Hearing loss often happens slowly, over many years. That makes it hard to notice from day to day.
A partner, son or daughter often notices first. If someone close to you has mentioned it, they mean well.
A hearing test is a simple way to find out more. Your first visit takes 30 to 40 minutes.
Sometimes nothing is needed yet. Sometimes earwax is the cause. Sometimes hearing aids may help. We'll explain your options, and the choice is yours.
Many people first notice it as others seeming to mumble.
How hearing works
How hearing works and the types of hearing loss
Sound travels from your ear to your brain in four steps. Hearing loss can happen at any step. The type depends on where.
- 1
The outer ear
The part you can see gathers sound for the eardrum.
- 2
The middle ear
The eardrum and three tiny bones pass vibrations further in.
- 3
The inner ear
Tiny hairs in the cochlea turn vibrations into nerve signals.
- 4
The hearing nerve
The hearing nerve sends the signals on to your brain.
The inner ear, or cochlea
Sensorineural hearing loss
Tiny hairs in the inner ear stop picking up pitches. Ageing and loud noise often cause it. It's the most common type.
Hearing aids are made for this. Results vary from person to person.
Outer, middle and inner ear
Mixed hearing loss
Mixed hearing loss means you have both types at the same time. For example, age-related hearing loss plus a build-up of earwax.
Your audiologist will explain each part, and what may help with each.
Only a hearing test can tell these types apart. If you have sudden hearing loss, ear pain, fluid from your ear or sudden dizziness, see your GP or go to an emergency department today.
Common questions
Questions people often ask
Do I need a referral for a hearing test?
No, you don't. You can book straight away, online or over the phone. But some Medicare rebates do require a GP referral.
Why do people seem to mumble?
Hearing loss can make some pitches harder to pick up. You hear someone talking, but not always the words. A hearing test can tell you more.
Why is it harder to hear in noisy places?
This is often one of the first signs. One voice in a busy room asks a lot of your hearing. Home may still feel quite fine.
What if my hearing seems fine in one ear?
It's worth having both ears checked. Hearing can differ a lot from one ear to the other. If one ear changes suddenly, see your GP today.
How do I raise it with my partner or parent?
Go gently, and in your own time. Try to mention one thing you've noticed, like the TV volume. You're welcome to come to the appointment too.
Could it just be earwax?
Yes, sometimes. A build-up of earwax can muffle sounds. Our audiologists check at your hearing test. We remove earwax by micro-suction at Moonee Ponds and Hampton.
Is it worth doing anything if the change is mild?
That's your choice, and there's no rush. Some people look at their options straight away. Others prefer to wait and check later. We'll explain your results.
Book a hearing test near you
A hearing screening is free for adults 25 and over. Book at your nearest clinic, or give us a call.
Julian, Orlando, Eva and Sara look forward to hearing from you.