How to Diagnose Hearing Problems

Hearing problems can cause a lot of social discomfort when you are unable to hear clearly during a conversation. Fortunately not all hearing problems are permanent, and can often be helped. Causes for hearing loss can be hereditary, ear infections, ear damage due to trauma, certain medicine and aging. A quick home diagnostic test may point to what the possible cause of a specific hearing problem is, but it is recommended to go and see a doctor to be sure. The doctor or audiologist performs a thorough ear and nerve examination to make a proper diagnosis.

Things You'll Need

• Computer Earphones

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Instructions

• 1

  Obtain earphones and do a quick hearing test on the website, Hear-It, to determine if you are indeed suffering from hearing loss. This test determines how well you hear in different levels of background noise (see Resources).

• 2

  Remember whether or not you have been exposed to loud noises. This could have been at work, at the shooting range, a music concert or constantly listening to loud music. Purchase a pair of protective earplugs to wear at work or wherever you may be exposed to loud sounds and turn music volume down to prevent any further damage. This condition is called occupational hearing loss and the damage cannot be reversed. See a doctor to determine whether a hearing aid is needed.

• 3

  Find out whether you are experiencing gradual hearing loss in only one ear. A non-cancerous tumor on the hearing nerve may cause this hearing problem. Consult a doctor for a thorough examination.

• 4

  Notice whether you experience an earache and a feeling of fullness in one or both ears. This problems results from ear wax blockage. Purchase an over-the-counter earwax removal kit or use baby oil to soften the wax in the ear and try to remove the wax. If this does not change the condition, consult a doctor.

• 5

  Pay attention as to whether you have experienced gradual hearing loss as you have aged. You may be suffering from presbycusis; hearing loss caused by aging and other factors. Consult a doctor to conduct a hearing test.

• 6

  Find out whether you have experienced sudden dizziness or nausea lately, as well as a ringing sound in the ear that is a result of suffering hearing loss. This could be caused by a tumor or Meniere's disease.

• 7

  Read the pamphlets of medicine you have been taking lately or do research on the adverse effects related to these medicines. Certain medications can cause temporary hearing loss.

• 8

  Determine whether you are having flu or cold symptoms along with pain and a blocked sensation in your ear. You may have an ear infection resulting from a build-up of fluids in your ear. Take flu and cold medications for five to seven days.