Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Noise-induced hearing loss

Loud noise can temporarily or permanently damage hair cells in the inner ear. Muffled hearing or tinnitus after noise is a warning sign. Sudden major hearing loss, severe dizziness or ear injury after a loud bang needs assessment the same day.

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Loud noise can temporarily or permanently damage hair cells in the inner ear. Muffled hearing or tinnitus after noise is a warning sign. Sudden major hearing loss, severe dizziness or ear injury after a loud bang needs assessment the same day.

  • Muffled, muted or distorted hearing after work, music, a bang or other loud noise.
  • Tinnitus, ringing, humming or a feeling of fullness in one or both ears.
  • Move away from loud noise immediately if your ears hurt, ring or your hearing becomes muffled.
  • Give your ears quiet time and avoid further loud exposure until your symptoms have been assessed.
  • Call the same day for sudden muffled or reduced hearing after a bang, explosion, gunshot or concert.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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Further reading

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H
Hearing lossHearing loss can develop gradually or suddenly and affect one or both ears. Earwax, middle ear problems, noise damage, age and diseases of the inner ear or hearing nerve are possible causes. Sudden hearing loss needs medical assessment the same day.
S
Sudden hearing lossSudden hearing loss in one or both ears can result from earwax or middle ear problems, but also acute damage to the inner ear or hearing nerve. Unexplained sudden sensorineural hearing loss needs medical and ENT assessment the same day; early steroids may be appropriate.
P
Perforated eardrumA perforated eardrum is an opening in the thin membrane between the ear canal and middle ear. It may result from an ear infection, a pressure difference, a loud bang or an object in the ear. Many small tears heal by themselves, but the ear must stay dry, and sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, head injury or persistent discharge needs prompt assessment.