How Do I Know If I Need Hearing Aids? An ENT in Gangnam, Seoul Explains
Answered by Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, MD · Board-certified otolaryngologist · Former professor, Yonsei & Ajou University · Consultations in English
SHORT ANSWER
You may benefit from hearing aids if you often ask people to repeat themselves, struggle in noisy restaurants or meetings, turn up the TV, or feel tired from listening, and a hearing test confirms permanent sensorineural hearing loss. An ENT should first rule out treatable causes such as wax, fluid, or eardrum problems.
Signs that suggest hearing loss
Hearing loss often develops so gradually that family and coworkers notice before you do. Common signs include:
- Asking people to repeat themselves, especially in noisy places
- Difficulty following group conversations or meetings
- Turning up the TV or phone volume more than others prefer
- Thinking people mumble
- Struggling to hear women's and children's voices, which are higher-pitched
- Feeling tired or stressed after social events from the effort of listening
- Tinnitus
First, rule out treatable causes
Not all hearing loss needs hearing aids. Conductive hearing loss can often be corrected:
- Earwax impaction: removed by professional ear cleaning
- Fluid behind the eardrum: treated through the nose and Eustachian tube, or drained
- Eardrum perforation: may heal or be repaired
- Chronic ear infections: treated medically or surgically
Sudden hearing loss in one ear is an emergency that needs steroid treatment, not a hearing aid.
When hearing aids are typically recommended
Hearing aids are usually recommended for permanent sensorineural hearing loss, such as age-related hearing loss or noise-induced hearing loss, when it affects communication. The decision is based on:
- The degree of hearing loss on the audiogram
- Speech understanding scores
- How much it affects your work, relationships, and daily life
- Your personal goals and preferences
Why not wait?
Research has linked untreated hearing loss with social isolation, depression, and an increased risk of cognitive decline in older adults. Treating hearing loss may help people stay engaged. Many people also find that hearing aids reduce tinnitus by bringing in more environmental sound. People often wait years before seeking help; getting tested earlier makes adapting easier.
What to expect from hearing aids
- Modern devices are small and can connect to smartphones
- Fitting is personalized to your audiogram
- An adjustment period of several weeks is normal as the brain relearns sounds
- Follow-up fine-tuning improves comfort and clarity
- They improve hearing but do not restore it to normal, particularly in very noisy settings
What we do at Gangnam Yonsei ENT
Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, a board-certified otolaryngologist and former assistant professor at Ajou University School of Medicine, begins with a careful ear examination and removes any wax with professional ear cleaning. A hearing test with speech audiometry and tympanometry classifies the type and degree of hearing loss. The results are explained in English, including whether a medical or surgical treatment might help first, and whether hearing aids are appropriate. One-sided or unusual patterns may prompt further imaging.
Practical points for expats
If you plan to buy hearing aids in Korea or abroad, bring copies of your audiogram. The clinic can provide records for insurance or for audiologists in your home country. See location and hours. Related: what happens during a hearing test and ringing after a concert.
Related questions
Are over-the-counter hearing aids an option?
Over-the-counter devices may help some adults with mild to moderate hearing loss in countries where they are available. A medical evaluation first is still valuable, to rule out wax, infection, or other treatable causes and to confirm the type of hearing loss.
Do I need hearing aids in both ears?
If both ears have hearing loss, two hearing aids usually give better speech understanding in noise, sound localization, and a more balanced sound. Your audiogram and listening needs guide this recommendation.
Will hearing aids make my hearing worse?
No. Properly fitted hearing aids do not damage hearing. Some people feel their hearing seems worse without them after getting used to aids, but this reflects the brain adapting to clearer sound, not further damage.
Your doctor
Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, MD
Board-certified otolaryngologist (ENT). Former clinical assistant professor at Yonsei University and assistant professor at Ajou University School of Medicine. Nose & sinus subspecialist who treats all ear, nose and throat conditions.
Consultations in English. Guide for international patients →
Visit us in Gangnam
2F HS Tower, 703 Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Gangnam-gu Office Station (Line 7 / Suin-Bundang), Exit 3-1
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9:00–19:00
Wed 14:00–19:00 · Sat 9:00–14:00
Closed Sundays & public holidays
This answer is general medical information written and reviewed by an ENT specialist. It is not a diagnosis. Please see a doctor for an examination. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.