How can you tell whether your
hearing has been damaged?
Hearing loss generally develops over a period of years. Because it takes place painlessly and gradually, people hardly notice it is happening. Signs of damage are: when noise is painful, when one's ears ring or buzz, or when one gradually starts hearing everything more quietly, such as following exposure to a loud bang or after a concert. Noise damage has nothing to do with age: it can occur at any age.
The first signs of hearing impairment are when people start having trouble hearing what others are saying, especially where several people are gathered in noisy surroundings.
It becomes even more serious if one starts hearing a "continuous whistling noise" in the ear. This is called tinnitus and can be a sign of more serious hearing loss. But a reduced ability to hear can also be caused by a build-up of ear wax or an ear infection that can be cleared up easily. It is a good idea to consult a doctor if these symptoms occur in order to avoid taking unnecessary risks.
