Teen FAQ
For over 10 years, teens have been asking us questions on every topic imaginable. While we are no longer taking new questions, we have a wealth of information we would like to share with teenagers.
Questions about suicide? Call the NATIONAL SUICIDE HOTLINE 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).
Navigate: FAQ Home Page > General Health Questions > Scuba diving and hearing
Posted on: 12/11/2007
Question
Can I ask a question about hearing? I have a slight problem with hearing. It is not severe in any way. I'm finding that I always need to ask people to repeat what they say and find that if i'm not watching the persons lips sometimes I dont hear. My boyfriend said I should get my ears checked as I often talk quite loud also? I remember as a child often having hearing tests, so I dont think this is anything new, just I have recently started to really notice it? Is there anything that can improve my hearing? I dont want to use a hearing aid as I definitely dont think i'm too deaf? I am a scuba diver. i'm not sure if this may have affected my hearing?
Answer
Even if you have had normal hearing tests in the past, hearing can decline with age, with trauma to the delicate ear hair cells from loud music especially via earphones, some medications, some viral infections. In order to determine if you truly have a hearing deficit, you have to have a hearing test at your doctor's office, or with an audiologist. Scuba diving can cause temporary problems with ear pressure which can be quite painful, but in general should not cause permanent hearing loss. I would recommend that you seek a medical opinion to determine if there is a problem.