It is advisable to consult a licensed medical professional or audiologist who will properly assess your hearing ability. People with hearing loss usually have a reduced ability to communicate as they find speech harder to follow and ask for repetitions. They might be complained about how loud they listen to the television or stereo. However, there are many other signs of hearing loss, and if it is suspected, make sure that diagnosis is performed as soon as possible and proper treatment is received  to ensure that it is not a symptom of another disease or ailment.

A build-up of wax can cause a slight decline in hearing. If this is the case, the wax can be softened with a few drops of mineral oil and then must be removed by your doctor. However, the production of earwax is a normal function and is nature's way of cleaning and lubricating the ear. Some people's ears make more or harder wax and this can be checked and removed, if necessary, during regular medical check-ups. Do not attempt to remove wax with a cotton swab or any sharp instrument

Hearing damage happens from prolonged exposure to sound or short-term exposure to extremely loud sound. Earplugs prevent hearing damage by blocking out some of the vibrations that produce sound. If you have to shout to be heard at arm's length, background noise has reached potentially dangerous levels, according to The Earplug Company. At levels of 85 decibels or above, you should wear hearing protection. Lawnmowers, street traffic and shop machinery reach approximately this level.

Yes. Hearing protection (earplugs) is designed to bring noise levels down to a safer, more comfortable level. Most people without damaged hearing have no problem carrying on a conversation while wearing earplugs. Often, in noisy/loud environments, earplug wearers discover that the earplugs seem to "filter" out the background noise, actually making conversation and music clearer and easier to understand.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) –attached to an ear mould and fits behind the ear of the wearer.

In the Ear (ITE) – customized to fit into the ear of the wearer.

In the Canal (ITC) and Completely in the Canal (CIC) - the whole hearing aid is fit into the ear canal. CICs are extremely tiny in size and are almost invisible.

Body-worn hearing aids - These aids require an external box to be worn by the user. The user wears an ear piece that is connected to the box by a wire.

Potential risk is inherent in any surgery involving the use of general anaesthesia. Nevertheless, the surgical risks for cochlear implantation are minimal. A lot of patients require only a one-day hospital stay and have no surgical complications.

There are two rules: First, if you have to raise your voice to talk to someone who is an arm's length away, then the noise is likely to be hazardous. Second, if your ears are ringing or sounds seem dull or flat after leaving a noisy place, then you probably were expose to hazardous noise.