02/09/2026
Hearing changes are not always sudden. Sometimes sounds gradually seem softer, whispers become harder to hear, or there is new ringing or buzzing in the ears.
One possible cause is otosclerosis, a condition involving the tiny bones in the middle ear. It affects women more often than men, and it can run in families.
Over the next few weeks, pay attention to changes in your hearing. If something feels different, book a hearing assessment so you can understand what is going on.