Preparing for an appointment

If you suspect you may have hearing loss, call your doctor. After an initial evaluation, your doctor may refer you to a hearing specialist (audiologist).

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

• Write down your symptoms and how long you've had them. Is the hearing loss in one ear or both? Ask friends and family to help you make the list. They may have noticed changes that aren't obvious to you, but the changes may be important for your doctor to know.
• Write down key medical information, especially related to any ear problems. Include any chronic infections, injury to your ear or previous ear surgery. Also list medications, vitamins or supplements you take.
• Summarize your work history, including any jobs, even those in the distant past, that exposed you to high noise levels.
• Take a family member or friend along. Someone who accompanies you can help you remember all the information from your doctor.
• Write down questions for your doctor.

For hearing loss, some questions to ask include:

• What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• What else might be causing my symptoms?
• What tests do you recommend?
• Should I stop taking any of my current medications?
• Should I see a specialist?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:

• How would you describe your symptoms? Do you have pain or drainage in the affected ear or ears?
• Did your symptoms come on suddenly?
• Do you have ringing, roaring or hissing in your ears?
• Do your symptoms include dizziness or balance problems?
• Do you have a history of ear infections, ear trauma or ear surgery?
• Have you ever worked in a job that exposed you to loud noise, flown airplanes or been in military combat?
• Does your family complain that you turn up the volume of the television or radio too high?
• Do you have trouble understanding someone talking to you in a low voice?
• Do you have trouble understanding someone on the telephone?
• Do you often need to ask others to speak up or repeat themselves? Does this happen more often in a noisy setting, such as a crowded restaurant?
• Can you hear a coin hitting the floor or a door closing?
• Can you hear when someone approaches you from behind?
• If your hearing is impaired, does it bother you or affect your quality of life?
• Would you be willing to try a hearing aid?