Hearing Loss

Your doctor will diagnose hearing loss by asking questions about your symptoms and past health (Reference medical history) and by doing a physical exam. He or she may find during a routine visit that you have some hearing loss.

You will also have a physical exam of the Reference ears Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window. Your doctor will use a lighted instrument (an otoscope) and may find problems in the ear canal, eardrum, and middle ear, including:

• Earwax.
• An object or obstruction in the ear canal.
• An Reference infection or fluid in the ear.
• Reference Injury to the ear.

If your exam, history, or symptoms suggest a hearing problem, your doctor may refer you to an Reference audiologist Opens New Window to do hearing tests.

Depending on the suspected cause of hearing loss, you may also have other tests:

• Imaging tests such as a Reference CT scan or Reference MRI may be done when an injury or tumor is suspected.
• Auditory brain stem response (ABR) testing may be used to test nerve pathways in the brain if your doctor suspects an Reference acoustic neuroma Opens New Window or another nerve problem. This test measures how well the nerve that helps you hear is working and how fast sound travels along this nerve.

Tests for your child

Some hearing problems can delay your child's speech and language development. Early screening for hearing loss can help prevent many learning, social, and emotional problems that can be related to speech and language development.^{Reference 1} The Reference United States Preventive Services Task Force Opens New Window recommends that all newborns be screened for hearing loss.^{Reference 2} All 50 states require newborn hearing tests for all babies born in hospitals. Talk to your doctor about whether your child has been or should be tested.

Signs of noise-induced hearing loss are appearing at earlier ages and in children. Be sure your child has Reference regular hearing exams.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.