Hearing loss may be caused by a number of factors.
This can include:
- genetics
- old age
- exposure to noise
- infections
- birth complications
- trauma to the ear
- certain medications or toxins.
It can be temporary or permanent and can affect all age groups.
It may also be gradual and affect people who are in later life. Common symptoms of people with gradual hearing loss are difficulty hearing the TV or having a conversation in a noisy environment.
Viral infections of the inner ear can also cause hearing loss to occur all of a sudden.
Another common effect of hearing loss is continual ringing in the ear which is caused by conditions such as tinnitus.
If you feel that your hearing is getting worse then you need to make an appointment with your GP.
Find out more about hearing loss on the NHS website.
Way to treat and manage your hearing impairment
If you start to have problems with your hearing, you should first visit your doctor.
They will look in both ears and may find that it is a problem that can be corrected at the surgery or may choose to refer you to the audiology department at a hospital where:
- you will get a hearing test
- you will receive a copy of your audiogram
- they might suggest that you try using hearing aids.
You may choose to go to a private company for a hearing test and to buy hearing aids yourself. If you do this, make sure you choose a company that you trust and one that will continue to offer you support after you have bought your hearing aids.
The treatments for hearing loss depend on what's causing it. You can find out more about the different treatments for hearing loss on the NHS hearing loss page.
Equipment options for people with hearing loss
There are also items of equipment which can help, and ways in which you can adapt your home so you don't have to rely on sound.
Equipment options include:
- minicoms (telephones that use text rather than speech)
- flashing light doorbells
- vibrating pager systems
- door chimes
- vibrating alarm clocks
- loop systems
DeafEquipment are one of many online shops specialising in equipment for deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
RNID provides extensive information on the different types of equipment available for people with hearing loss, and on how you can access them.
They also have an online shop where you can buy suitable equipment.
Assistance dogs
Some people with hearing impairment may choose to have an assistance dog. The main charity that provides these in the UK is Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.
The dogs are specially trained to respond to everyday household sounds and alert their owners.
Communication support
Many people with hearing impairments live full and rich lives and don't feel they need treatment to restore their hearing.
Information on British Sign Language
RNID provides information on British Sign Language and communication support for people with hearing loss.
Search for BSL interpreters
Search for registered BSL interpreters in your area on the National Register of Communications Professionals website.
Learn communicating skills
The H&F Adult Learning Service has BSL courses and lip reading courses.
You can also learn BSL with Deaf Unity in an online course.
Help from us
Anyone aged 18 or over, who lives in Hammersmith & Fulham and is Deaf or hard of hearing can get help from us.
We also provide services for people who have both hearing and sight loss.
What help is available?
There are different degrees of hearing loss, so the type and amount of help needed varies.
For this reason, we carry out an assessment before we arrange services. This is an opportunity to talk to you about your needs and to make sure we provide the right level of support for you.
The assessment can be carried out using BSL, SSE lip speaker or a notetaker.
Examples of some of the services provided following your assessment are:
- equipment to help you manage in your own home
- information about the services and activities available locally
- practical help with interpreting letters and telephone calls
- support from a social worker with practical and social problems
- referral to other services such as the meals service or home help service.
Do I have to be registered?
Registration helps us know how many people with hearing loss live in the borough. This helps us plan our services. If you choose not to register, it will not affect your assessment for services.
Find out more about registering as hearing impaired.
How you can receive a service
You can receive a service via:
- appointments
- text message, email or phone
- home visits
- being signposted to other services.
Contact us about getting help
Contact us if you would like to know more about how we can help you and our services.
If you would like to request an assessment please visit our assessments for care page.