The main consequence of a hearing loss is the effect on ones quality of life. As a result of poor hearing, children do not learn as well and can develop behavioral problems. People in the work place may have difficulty with work related tasks due to not properly hearing instructions, and can even lead to safety concerns around heavy machinery. Older people may become depressed and withdraw from the normal social interactions of society. A hearing loss may be embarrassing due to missing what others are saying or making others repeat themselves.

Untreated fluid in the ears or ear infections may lead to permanent hearing loss and infections can spread to nearby structures including the brain. Untreated holes in the eardrums may lead to recurrent infections due to water exposure of the sensitive middle ear structures. A hole in the ear drum can also allow skin from the ear canal, to grow through the hole, ultimately leading to permanent damage of the middle ear bones.