Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Early Signs of Hearing Loss?

Early signs can include:

  • Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
  • Difficulty hearing in noisy environments
  • Turning up the TV or radio louder than others prefer
  • Feeling tired after long conversations (listening fatigue)
  • Missing doorbells, phone calls, or alarms
  • If you notice any of these, it’s worth booking a hearing test with an audiologist.

How Often Should I Have My Hearing Tested?

If you have no hearing problems, a baseline test every few years is fine. If you have diagnosed hearing loss, wear hearing aids, or are regularly exposed to noise, yearly hearing checks are recommended to track any changes.

Can Earwax Cause Hearing Loss?

Yes. A build-up of earwax (cerumen) can block the ear canal, causing muffled hearing, discomfort, or tinnitus.

Never use cotton buds, as these push wax deeper. Earwax removal should be carried out by a trained clinician using microsuction or irrigation, depending on your needs.

How Is Hearing Loss Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a hearing test (audiogram), often combined with a physical ear examination. The audiologist will determine the type (sensorineural, conductive, or mixed) and degree (mild to profound) of hearing loss, then recommend appropriate treatment or devices.

What Types of Hearing Aids Are Available?

Common styles include:

  • Behind-the-ear (BTE) – versatile, for mild to profound hearing loss
  • Receiver-in-canal (RIC) – discreet, comfortable, and high performance
  • In-the-ear (ITE) – custom-moulded to fit your ear
  • Completely-in-canal (CIC) – very discreet but with smaller controls

The right choice depends on your hearing loss, lifestyle, and dexterity.

How Long Do Hearing Aids Last?

With proper care, most hearing aids last 5–7 years. Regular maintenance, cleaning, and annual check-ups help maximise lifespan.
Batteries or rechargeable systems will need more frequent attention.

Do Hearing Aids Restore Normal Hearing?

Hearing aids do not “cure” hearing loss, but they amplify sounds to make communication easier and more comfortable. Many users report greatly improved quality of life once they adapt to wearing them.

Will Wearing Hearing Aids Make My Hearing Worse?

No — properly fitted hearing aids do not damage your hearing. In fact, by providing appropriate sound stimulation, they can help keep the auditory pathways active and reduce listening effort.

What Should I Do if My Hearing Aid Stops Working?

Common troubleshooting steps include:

  • Check and replace the battery or recharge it
  • Make sure the device is switched on and settings are correct
  • Clean the microphone and receiver openings of wax or debris
  • If the problem persists, contact your audiologist for a service appointment

Can Hearing Loss Be Prevented?

Some causes, such as age-related hearing loss, cannot be prevented. However, you can reduce your risk by:

  • Protecting ears from loud noise with earplugs or earmuffs
  • Following safe listening guidelines when using headphones
  • Treating ear infections promptly
  • Managing chronic health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure

Sudden Hearing Loss – What Should I Do?

If you notice a sudden drop in hearing in one or both ears (often over hours or a day), treat it as an urgent medical situation. Contact your GP immediately or go to A&E — ideally within 24–48 hours — as prompt treatment can make a difference.

Causes may include viral infection, inner ear inflammation, or circulatory issues. While some cases recover spontaneously, others may benefit from early medical intervention.

We recommend a full audiological and ENT assessment following sudden hearing loss.

What Is Reactive Tinnitus?

Reactive tinnitus refers to tinnitus that seems to worsen temporarily after sound exposure. While it is not a separate medical diagnosis, many patients with hyperacusis or sound sensitivity report this phenomenon.

Reactive tinnitus often improves as the underlying sound sensitivity is managed — for example, through specialist CBT-based tinnitus therapy.

How Is Pain Hyperacusis Different from Ear Damage?

Pain hyperacusis (noxacusis) is ear pain from everyday sounds — even at moderate sound levels. It is different from auditory nociception, which is pain caused by actual damage to the cochlea from unsafe noise levels.

Can You Treat Misophonia in Children?

Yes. Misophonia — strong negative emotional reactions to specific sounds — can start in late childhood. At The Hearing Well Practice, we adapt our misophonia CBT programme for younger patients, using age-appropriate strategies and involving parents throughout the process.
Common child triggers include chewing, breathing, and repetitive tapping sounds. Therapy aims to reduce distress, build coping skills, and prevent social or academic difficulties.

We also involve our Occupational Therapist (OT) when appropriate. The aim of our OT sessions is to assess whether your child has a broader sensory processing disorder, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), other neurodevelopmental differences, and/or emotional regulation difficulties in addition to sensitivity to sound or tinnitus.

If we feel an OT evaluation would be helpful, we will discuss this with you and guide you through the process, ensuring your child receives a comprehensive and coordinated care plan.

Can Hyperacusis Lead to Work Disability?

Severe hyperacusis can interfere with workplace activities, especially in noisy environments.

If you’re struggling, our clinicians can:

  • Document your condition for workplace accommodations
  • Advise on sound management strategies
  • Provide CBT for hyperacusis to reduce sensitivity and improve participation at work
  • Under the UK Equality Act 2010, sound sensitivity may qualify as a disability if it has a substantial, long-term impact.

To learn more about our patient’s experience click here.

What Is Diplacusis and Distorted Hearing?

Diplacusis is a hearing distortion where the same sound is perceived at two different pitches in each ear. Causes include inner ear damage, sudden hearing loss, or ear blockage.

Distorted hearing can make music or speech sound “off-key” or unpleasant. We recommend a specialist hearing assessment to determine the cause and treatment options.

What Noises Should I Avoid If I Have Sound Sensitivity?

For hyperacusis, it’s important to follow health and safety guidelines and safe listening protocols.

You should avoid genuinely unsafe noise levels, such as:

  • Loud concerts or nightclubs without ear protection
  • Industrial machinery or power tools without proper hearing protection
  • Sudden high-impact noises at close range

If you are concerned about everyday sounds, speak to a qualified clinician for guidance. Some people with sound sensitivity, under professional advice, work towards increasing their tolerance for certain safe environmental sounds. This is usually done as part of a structured therapy plan and not as a self-directed approach.

Avoiding noises completely may provide short-term relief but is not generally considered a long-term solution. Many people benefit from specialist hyperacusis therapy based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT is suitable for most people with hyperacusis, but outcomes vary and not everyone benefits to the same degree.

How Should I Use Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids can significantly improve communication and quality of life for people with hearing loss. Your decision to use them should be based on the level of hearing difficulty you experience and its impact on your daily life.

An audiologist can help you select the right device for your needs and ensure it is fitted correctly. Once prescribed, consistent use is key to gaining the full benefit.

Hearing aids are most effective when they become a regular part of your routine, helping you stay connected in conversations, participate in activities, and reduce listening fatigue.

What Is the Role of Health Psychology in Hearing Rehabilitation?

We are unique in having a Health Psychologist as part of our team.

Health psychology supports:

  • Coping with tinnitus, hyperacusis, and misophonia
  • Managing anxiety or low mood linked to hearing loss
  • Behavioural change and stress management
  • Improving motivation for therapy

This integrated approach addresses both the auditory and emotional aspects of sound sensitivity.

Does Tinnitus Affect My Hearing?

There is little evidence that tinnitus directly causes hearing loss. However, hearing loss can sometimes make tinnitus more noticeable.

Many people have hearing loss without tinnitus, and vice versa.

We provide hearing assessments to check for both conditions.

What Kind of Masking or Relaxing Noise Should I Use at Night?

If you enjoy background noise, you can listen to music or nature sounds. However, using sound solely to avoid hearing tinnitus is an avoidance strategy — it prevents you from learning to sleep well even with tinnitus.

Our research shows that tinnitus loudness is not the main factor affecting sleep — associated distress and low mood are more important.

Is There a Cure for Tinnitus?

At present, there is no proven cure for tinnitus. Many advertised treatments — such as acupuncture, laser therapy, or supplements — lack strong evidence.

Instead of chasing a cure, focus on evidence-based tinnitus management, such as CBT, which can significantly reduce distress and improve quality of life.

Should I Tell My Employer I Have Tinnitus?

In most cases, yes. Employers can make reasonable adjustments to support you, such as flexible scheduling for therapy or modifying noisy workspaces.
If tinnitus co-exists with hearing loss, disclosure is also important for health and safety.

How Do I Handle Friends or Family Who Don’t Understand My Condition?

Tinnitus, hyperacusis, and misophonia are “hidden” conditions, so others may not fully understand.
CBT can help you focus on managing your reactions, even when others cannot relate. Our therapy also includes strategies for explaining your condition to others in a way that invites understanding without over-explaining.

I Can’t Sleep Because of Tinnitus – Any Advice?

Insomnia in tinnitus sufferers is often linked to distress or low mood, not just the sound itself.

Managing tinnitus annoyance through CBT can improve sleep, even if tinnitus loudness remains the same.

Our clinic offers structured tinnitus and sleep rehabilitation.

Tinnitus, Hearing Loss, and Musicians – What’s the Link?

Musicians are at increased risk of tinnitus and hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to loud music.

We recommend regular hearing checks, protective monitoring, and early tinnitus management.

Our research, in collaboration with international experts, explores how hearing loss can trigger increased brain activity linked to tinnitus.

Areas We Serve

The Hearing Well Practice is based in Surrey and North Devon, offering face-to-face and video consultations.

We welcome patients from across the region, including:

Surrey:

  • Guildford
  • Woking
  • Farnham
  • Godalming
  • Haslemere
  • Camberley
  • Leatherhead
  • Dorking
  • Epsom
  • Cobham
  • Weybridge, and surrounding villages.

North Devon:

  • Barnstaple and nearby areas.

If your town is not listed, contact us — we often see patients from further afield.