Hearing is important for communication, relationships, work, study and participation in everyday life. Some adults with cerebral palsy (CP) also have hearing loss. 

Hearing loss may have been present since childhood or may develop later. Hearing can also change as you get older, whether or not you have CP. 

Hearing loss can affect your quality of life. It may make conversations, work, study and social situations more challenging and can contribute to social isolation. 

If you notice changes in your hearing or are finding it harder to hear clearly, talk to your GP or healthcare team about having a hearing assessment with an audiologist. If you experience sudden hearing loss, seek urgent medical care. 

There are different types of hearing loss: 

Treatment and support depend on the type and cause of hearing loss. Some hearing problems may improve with treatment, while others may require ongoing hearing and communication support. 

Hearing aids can make sounds easier to hear and can be programmed by an audiologist to suit your hearing needs. If you have used hearing aids in the past and they did not help, it may be worth having your hearing and hearing devices reviewed, as your needs and available technology may change over time.  

For some people with severe or profound sensorineural hearing loss who do not receive enough benefit from hearing aids, a cochlear implant may be considered. A cochlear implant is an electronic device with internal and external parts that sends signals to the hearing nerve. An assessment by a specialist team is needed to determine whether a cochlear implant is suitable.  

Some hearing loss is temporary, while other types are permanent. The right assessment, treatment and support can help you communicate and participate in everyday life.