Definitions
Hearing loss
When to make a doctor’s appointment
Make an appointment to see a doctor if:
- Difficult to follow conversations, especially if there's background noise
- Sounds seem muffled
- Turning up volume when listening to music, radio or TV
- Affecting social interaction
Self-care
Steps to prevent hearing loss include wearing hearing protection in a workplace using loud equipment and turning down volume on TV, cell phone, and other electronic devices.
When to seek immediate medical care
See a doctor immediately if:
- Sudden loss of hearing, particularly in one ear
- Complete loss of hearing
When to make a doctor's appointment
Make an appointment to see a doctor if:
- Difficult to follow conversations, especially if there's background noise
- Sounds seem muffled
- Turning up volume when listening to music, radio or TV
- Affecting social interaction
