Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up

Hearing Loss

Font Size
A
A
A

When to Call a Doctor

Call911or other emergency services immediately if:

  • Hearing loss occurs with an injury to the head or ear.
  • Hearing loss occurs suddenly with other symptoms such as:
    • Facial droop.
    • Numbness or paralysis on all or one side of the face or body.
    • Eye or vision problems, including blurred or double vision or only being able to see out of one eye.
    • Slurred speech, not being able to speak, or difficulty understanding speech.
    • Difficulty standing or walking (ataxia).
    • Severe nausea or vomiting.

Call a doctor immediately if you:

Recommended Related to Ear Disorders

Tinnitus

Important It is possible that the main title of the report Tinnitus is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Read the Tinnitus article > >

Call your doctor if you:

  • Have hearing loss that you think may be caused by earwax.
  • Have hearing loss after taking medicine.
  • Have hearing loss after having cold or flu symptoms.
  • Have hearing loss after traveling on an airplane.
  • Feel your hearing is gradually getting worse.
  • Wonder if you need hearing aids.
  • Think your baby or child may not be hearing well.

If you think you have a hearing problem, you might choose to see an audiologist.

Watchful waiting

Watchful waiting is when you and your doctor watch symptoms to see if the health problem improves on its own. Although hearing loss is not usually dangerous, it can affect your personal safety. It can also reduce how much you can do in the workplace and at home and limit you socially. It is important that you talk to your doctor or an audiologist about hearing loss.

Who to see

Hearing loss can be diagnosed by:

If your doctor suspects or diagnoses hearing loss, he or she may have you see an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) or an audiologist.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: October 25, 2011
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
Next Article:

Hot Topics

Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

WebMD Video: Now Playing

Click here to wach video: Dirty Truth About Hand Washing

Which sex is the worst about washing up? Why is it so important? We’ve got the dirty truth on how and when to wash your hands.

Click here to watch video: Dirty Truth About Hand Washing

Popular Slideshows & Tools on WebMD

Close up of eye
What's robbing your focus?
Woman sitting in front of UV lights
What you need to know.
Ra Management Get A Personalized Report
Assess your symptoms.
finger blood test
Ask questions and get answers.
Psoriasis
Bumps, rashes, and hives.
nurse helping woman on crutches
How much time to recover?
woman stretching
Must-see diet and fitness info.
fruit drinks
Foods that can help you focus.
child brushing his teeth
Your kids will find them.
man with cold on couch
How to feel better fast.
mother with children in park
Parenting tips for every age.
MS Overview
Recognizing symptoms.

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.