When You Visit Your Doctor - Hearing Loss

Hearing Loss

Questions to Discuss with Your Doctor:

  • Is your hearing loss on one side or both?
  • For how long have you noticed the problem?
  • Has your hearing loss been getting worse over time?
  • Do you have difficulty understanding other people when they speak?
  • Do you say "what?" a lot?
  • When you turn on the television, do others say that it is too loud?
  • Have you had any kind of ear surgery?
  • Have you flown in an airplane recently?
  • Do other people in your family have trouble hearing?
  • Do you hear ringing in your ears?
  • Do you suffer from dizziness or loss of coordination?
  • Have you had multiple ear infections in the past?
  • Do you currently have an upper respiratory infection (for example, a cold) or other infection?
  • Have you had any head injuries or strokes in the past?
  • Are you taking any medications?

Your Doctor Might Examine the Following Body Structures or Functions:

  • Examine your ears, nose, and throat.
  • Test your balance, coordination, and walking.

Your Doctor Might Order the Following Lab Tests or Studies:

  • Test your ability to hear.
  • Formal hearing testing by an audiologist (hearing specialist)

Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.