Deaf Awareness Week and Gentamicin-Induced Hearing Loss
As Deaf Awareness Week 2026 has just passed, it remains an important opportunity to continue conversations about inclusion, communication access, and hearing health. The annual awareness campaign celebrates British deaf culture, community and history, while also encouraging greater understanding of hearing loss and the importance of early support.
This year’s campaign focused on raising awareness of the common signs of deafness and hearing loss in children, helping to ensure deaf children receive the right support as early as possible.
In the UK, around half of deaf children are born deaf, while the other half are born hearing and become deaf later in childhood.
Some signs of childhood deafness, such as not responding when called or preferring to play alone, can sometimes be mistaken for conditions such as autism.
The earlier a child is identified as deaf, the earlier they can access support. This may include hearing aids, learning sign language, and obtaining additional help with day-to-day life and education.
Statistics
Permanent childhood hearing loss is identified in around 1.7 in every 1,000 children in the UK at birth. Approximately 50,000 children in the UK have hearing loss.
In adults, hearing loss typically develops gradually. It affects around 18 million people in the UK and is particularly common among older adults. More than half of people aged 55 and over, and around 80% of those aged 70 or older, experience hearing loss.
Types of hearing loss include:
- Conductive hearing loss — caused by problems in the outer or middle ear,
- Sensorineural hearing loss — caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve,
- Mixed hearing loss — a combination of both.
Untreated Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can also be associated with wider health concerns, including:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Depression
- Cognitive decline, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
- Increased risk of falls
- Increased hospitalisation
The link between dementia and hearing loss is now well established. Untreated hearing loss is considered the single largest modifiable risk factor for dementia, with studies suggesting an increased risk of around 37%.
Hearing loss can also contribute to social withdrawal and isolation, which are themselves recognised dementia risk factors. The additional effort required to process sound over time may place strain on cognitive resources.
It can also lead to depression and a significantly reduced quality of life.
Gentamicin-Induced Hearing Loss
One important but lesser-known cause of hearing loss is the use of Gentamicin, a powerful antibiotic commonly used to treat serious bacterial infections.
While Gentamicin can be life-saving, it can sometimes damage the delicate hair cells within the inner ear, leading to permanent hearing loss or balance problems. This is known as gentamicin-induced hearing loss.
The risk may increase with:
- Prolonged treatment
- High doses
- Kidney problems
- Genetic susceptibility
For some patients, symptoms may begin with:
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Dizziness
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
Early monitoring is particularly important for vulnerable groups such as newborn babies, intensive care patients, and older adults.
If you are receiving Gentamicin treatment, several measures may help monitor and reduce the risk of hearing damage, including:
- Baseline hearing tests
- Regular hearing monitoring
- Kidney function monitoring
- Dosage adjustment
- Maintaining hydration
- Avoiding other ototoxic medications where possible
- Awareness of symptoms
By understanding both the benefits and risks of medications such as Gentamicin, we can help protect hearing health while continuing to provide effective medical treatment.
How We Can Help
If you or a loved one believe you may have suffered harm as a result of undiagnosed hearing loss or negligent medical treatment involving Gentamicin, our specialist team can advise you on your options and whether you may be entitled to compensation.
Call our team to discuss making a claim on a no win, no fee basis, or email ab@phoenixlegalsolicitors.co.uk.
0151 306 3694 Send us an email Web enquiry