There are many reasons why people who were born with hearing can lose it in later life.

The most common is age and it is a normal part of the ageing process. It’s usually gradual: you might put up with it for years before accepting that you need help.

Another cause is noise exposure at work or at leisure. This can be from a short burst of sound (like a firework), or from longer exposure, for example, working in a noisy factory or standing next to the speakers in a nightclub.

Illness, injury and medication are other reasons why you might lose your hearing.