Hearing Center - Candidates for Sudden Loss

Every person can benefit from an appointment at a hearing center. It never hurts to check on someone's ability to hear at least once a year. But there is a segment of the population that could be at a higher level of risk for losing this ability. This sudden loss could affect one or both ears and it has a wide range of severity. At Risk Activities Everyone has experienced their ears "popping" while riding on an airplane. As the pressure changes, the ears need to adjust. Sometimes the consistent change in pressure can cause loss of the ability to hear clearly. This same thing happens while scuba diving and sometimes, the ears are never able to completely adjust when a person resurfaces. Other at risk activities include things like an unusual amount of physical exertion or strain and long exposure to loud noises. In these situations, a person may notice a change and head into a hearing center to get more information as well as an evaluation. Certain medications including some antibiotics and birth control pills can also cause a decline in a person's ability to hear. Signs of a Problem Just like any other problem with the ears, straining to hear a person speak or not being able to follow a conversation is one of signs of a problem. Other times, people repeat themselves over and over again to try and make sure that they are heard. Any of these signs make it obvious that a person needs to head over to the hearing center for an evaluation. Sometimes if the severity is minimal, it may take much less time to notice the problem. Other times the loss is instantly severe and a person recognizes right away that they have lost some of his or her ability to hear. Other Symptoms Aside from struggling to hear, a person may also notice that it is difficult to balance or there is a constant ringing sound. Sometimes a person's head may feel like their ears are full of some type of fluid, making noises and speech sound muffled. These symptoms often accompany the loss of the ability to hear. Diagnosis The best way to diagnose the problem is a test at the local hearing center. An audiologist can determine the severity of the issue and make arrangements for a solution. Often adding equipment, including aids for the ears can make it easier for a person to function despite the loss. Usually an examination also involves looking both inside and outside of the ear. If there is an extensive amount of earwax build up or any types of infection or fluid, this could be the problem. Sometimes the ability to hear can be restored but other times, the loss is permanent.