Ear wax build-up
Hearing Loss Assessment in Nottingham
Hearing loss may be gradual or sudden. It can affect speech clarity, confidence, communication and quality of life. It may be due to wax, infection, middle-ear pressure, age-related change, noise exposure or other ear conditions.
Common symptoms and signs
Symptoms can overlap between different ear conditions. A careful clinical assessment helps ensure treatment is guided by your symptoms, clinical history and examination findings.
- Difficulty hearing conversation
- Needing people to repeat themselves
- Turning up the television volume
- Difficulty hearing in background noise
- Sudden, one-sided or fluctuating hearing change
Common ear and hearing-related causes
Hearing change can be related to wax, ear canal inflammation, middle-ear pressure, fluid behind the eardrum, noise exposure or age-related hearing change. Ear examination helps identify visible causes and whether hearing assessment is needed.
Ear infection or inflammation
Middle-ear pressure or fluid
Age-related hearing change
Noise-related hearing damage
Doctor-led assessment at Nottingham Ear Clinic
We start by checking the ear medically so treatable causes such as wax, infection or inflammation are not missed. Where needed, patients can be referred to our experienced audiologists for full hearing assessment and hearing aid guidance.
When to seek urgent medical advice
Most ear symptoms can be assessed in a routine appointment, but some warning symptoms should not wait.
- Sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear
- Severe or rapidly worsening pain
- Facial weakness, confusion or severe headache
- Marked dizziness, collapse or severe balance disturbance
- Swelling, redness or tenderness spreading around the ear
- High temperature or feeling very unwell, particularly if you have diabetes or reduced immune function
If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening or concerning, seek advice from your GP, NHS 111, an urgent treatment centre or 999 in an emergency.
Related ear care services
Private ENT Consultation
Doctor-led assessment for ear pain, discharge, tinnitus, dizziness and complex ear symptoms.
Microsuction Wax Removal
Safe, precise ear wax removal where wax is present and treatment is clinically appropriate.
Ear Infection Treatment
Assessment and treatment advice for painful, itchy, inflamed or discharging ears.
Private Hearing Care
Ear and hearing health checks with access to full hearing assessments from experienced audiologists.
Tinnitus Management
Assessment and support for ringing, buzzing, humming or whooshing sounds.
Hearing Protection
Custom hearing protection, ear impressions and advice for noise exposure.
Frequently asked questions
Helpful answers about hearing loss and when to book an appointment.
Can hearing loss be caused by wax?
Yes. Wax can reduce hearing, but hearing loss can also be caused by infection, eardrum problems, middle-ear pressure or inner-ear hearing change.
Do you offer full hearing assessments?
Yes. Following doctor-led ear assessment, patients can be referred to our experienced audiologists for full hearing assessment where appropriate.
Is sudden hearing loss urgent?
Yes. Sudden hearing loss should be treated as urgent and assessed promptly through appropriate medical services.
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