Hearing Center - Signs That Indicate Severe Auditory Loss

If you think you may be experiencing the symptoms of auditory damage or loss, you should make an appointment with your nearest hearing center for an evaluation. Only by being tested and examined by health professionals can you be certain about the symptoms you've been experiencing. After getting an evaluation, they can determine the best course of action when it comes to treatment possibilities and alternative aids that can help you cope with the partial loss of one of your most important senses. Here are some signs that could indicate that you've experienced this loss.

Muffled Sounds

Those who have experienced severe auditory loss may begin to realize that the sounds around them begin to seem muffled, almost like you're listening underwater. With gradual loss, you may still be able to make out the majority of conversational tidbits, but it will become harder with time. If you've ever been to a very loud concert, you could already be familiar with the concept of this muffled sound. Of course, when the auditory loss is permanent, that muffled sound never really goes away. Instead, it will often deepen, causing even the muffled sounds to fade away. A good hearing center can recommend listening aids and amplification devices that can help.

Ear Pain

Auditory loss can come from a number of different causes. Some of these causes may manifest themselves in some degree of pain in the ears. If you experience this pain, it is important to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor as soon as you can. If the pain is great enough, you may want to consider heading to the emergency room. A ruptured eardrum doesn't just affect your ability to hear —- it can also be accompanied by a great deal of pain and discomfort. It is important to have any such injury evaluated by a physician so that you aren't risking your greater health.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the medical term for ringing in the ears. It isn't unusual to experience brief ringing from time to time. Many people have ears attuned to special frequencies that produce a strange, high pitched whine when around televisions, for instance. But a constant, low ringing means something different and can be a sign of severe auditory loss. Talk to your doctor and have an evaluation done by an audiologist to determine what your best choices are moving forward. After receiving a medical diagnosis, you may wish to visit a hearing center in your area for your options when it comes to listening aids and devices.