How good is your hearing?

Hearing loss may be more common than you think. In fact, one in ten people around the world are affected by hearing loss, which is experienced in many different ways.

If you have a hearing loss, you might hear the same sounds as people with normal hearing, only softer. Or maybe you can hear low pitched sounds like a dog barking but struggle hearing high pitched sounds like speech, particularly in a noisy room. Perhaps it's a challenge for you to hear anything at all.

Hearing loss can happen gradually or suddenly. It can occur in just one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral). It may be mild or, in the most extreme case, profound hearing loss. And because it can affect people of all ages, it's important to have your hearing tested regularly.

Signs of hearing loss Learn to spot the early signs (sometimes called symptoms).