Hearing loss
Alternative names:
deafness; decreased hearing; loss of hearing
Home care:
Wax build-up can frequently be flushed out of the ear (gently) with ear syringes (available in drug stores) and warm water. Wax softeners (like Cerumenex) may be needed if the wax is hard and impacted.
Care should be taken when removing foreign bodies. Unless it is easily accessible, have your health care provider remove the object. Don't use sharp instruments to remove foreign bodies.
A hearing aid can be helpful in coping with hearing loss caused by nerve damage.
Call your health care provider if:
- hearing problems are persistent and unexplained
- hearing problems adversely affect lifestyle
- there is association with other symptoms such as ear pain
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting hearing loss in detail may include: - distribution
- Is the hearing loss in both ears (bilateral)?
- Is it in one ear only (unilateral)?
- quality
- Is the hearing loss mild or severe?
- Is all of the hearing lost (inability to hear any sound)?
- decreased hearing acuity?
- decreased ability to understand speech?
- decreased ability to locate the source of a sound?
- time pattern
- How long has the hearing loss been present?
- Did it occur before age 30?
- other
- What other symptoms are also present?
- Is there tinnitus (ringing or other sounds)?
- Is there ear pain?
The physical examination will include a detailed examination of the ears.
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include: Intervention:
A hearing aid or cochlear implant may be provided to improve hearing.
After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to hearing loss, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.
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