US Medical Term · symptoms
Hearing Loss
Pérdida auditiva
Also: Hipoacusia (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Hearing Loss |
| Spanish (Español) | Pérdida auditiva |
| Chinese (中文) | 聽力喪失 |
| Korean (한국어) | 청력 손실 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Mất thính lực |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Pagkawala ng pandinig |
| Portuguese (Português) | Perda auditiva |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | สูญเสียการได้ยิน |
| Japanese (日本語) | 難聴 |
What it means
Hearing loss means a partial or complete inability to hear sounds in one or both ears. Gradual hearing loss is often due to aging (presbycusis), chronic noise exposure, or earwax buildup. Sudden hearing loss — losing hearing over hours to days — can result from inner ear inflammation, viral infection, or vascular problems and is a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment, ideally within 24 to 72 hours. See a doctor immediately if hearing loss is sudden, affects only one ear, or is accompanied by ear pain, drainage, dizziness, or ringing. Treatment with steroids is most effective when started early, making rapid evaluation critical.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I woke up this morning unable to hear in my left ear — it happened overnight.
Esta mañana desperté sin poder escuchar del oído izquierdo; ocurrió de un día para otro.
I have been gradually losing my hearing in both ears over the past few years.
He ido perdiendo la audición en ambos oídos gradualmente durante los últimos años.
People have to repeat themselves several times before I can understand what they are saying.
La gente tiene que repetirse varias veces antes de que yo pueda entender lo que dicen.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
H91 Other and unspecified hearing lossRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026