{"id":19847,"date":"2022-08-29T12:32:42","date_gmt":"2022-08-29T17:32:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=19847"},"modified":"2023-03-06T15:39:49","modified_gmt":"2023-03-06T20:39:49","slug":"when-should-you-really-get-a-hearing-check","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/when-should-you-really-get-a-hearing-check\/","title":{"rendered":"When Should You Really Get a Hearing Check?"},"content":{"rendered":"

You may not remember it, but you\u2019ve probably had a hearing check before. Every baby in the United States undergoes a hearing test by an audiologist shortly after birth. Audiologists, medical professionals who specialize in hearing, can diagnose, treat and even prevent health issues affecting the ears. They differ from otolaryngologists (also called head and neck or ear, nose and throat doctors) in their training; rather than earning a medical degree, their accreditation is called a doctor of audiology (AuD).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As you get older and the likelihood of hearing loss or other ear issues increases, you may want to keep an audiologist\u2019s number in your back pocket. While hearing loss is a common ailment, your ears do more than help you hear. An audiologist can also work with patients with balance and neurological issues, as long as these involve the ears.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Not sure whether you should visit an ear expert? Here\u2019s what to know about when to see an audiologist.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

How often should you go to an audiologist for a hearing check?<\/h3>\n

Any time you notice changes in your ability to hear \u2014 feeling like everyone around you is mumbling, or needing to turn up the TV more than normal, for instance \u2014 it\u2019s a good idea to schedule a hearing check. \u201cIf you\u2019re in a loud environment, it\u2019s normal to have difficulty hearing, but you should get checked out if you\u2019re struggling to hear in other settings more than your peers,\u201d says <\/span>J. Connor Sullivan<\/span><\/a>, an audiologist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you haven\u2019t experienced hearing loss yet but you have certain risk factors, see an audiologist for a check-in. For example, if your parents or a sibling have hearing loss or you work in a noisy environment, Sullivan recommends a baseline hearing test. Knowing where your hearing stands now can help the audiologist pick up on changes later.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Should you see an audiologist for specific ailments?<\/h3>\n

Audiologists can diagnose and treat <\/span>ear-related symptoms<\/span><\/a> other than hearing loss, such as ringing in the ears (<\/span>tinnitus<\/span><\/a>) or feeling dizzy, as though the room is spinning (vertigo). Noticing a feeling of fullness in your ears? You may have extra earwax, and audiologists can help with that too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some ear symptoms are more urgent: If you develop sudden hearing loss that rapidly gets worse, see an audiologist right away (or go to the emergency department). \u201cSudden hearing loss, which can stem from many different causes, is one of the few hearing emergencies we experience,\u201d Sullivan says. \u201cTreating it within 72 hours can increase the chances of successful treatment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

What conditions can impact your hearing?<\/h3>\n

Loud noises, like music at a concert, can contribute to hearing loss. But volume isn\u2019t the only factor; it\u2019s also about how long you\u2019re exposed to the noise. For example, if you work at construction sites for years without protecting your ears, you may be more likely to develop hearing loss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some people develop hearing loss due to genetics. If a family member has hearing issues, talk to your doctor about your risk. Lastly, <\/span>certain medications<\/span><\/a> (primarily ones that treat heart disease, cancer or infections) can affect your hearing or cause other ear-related issues, like loss of balance. If you\u2019re wondering whether any of your prescriptions fit the bill, check in with your prescribing doctor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your primary care provider is always a good resource for health concerns. If necessary, they can refer you to an audiologist. If you want to go straight to a hearing specialist, check with your insurance to find out whether you need a referral from a PCP.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And if you need help with your hearing or another issue with your ears? You\u2019re in good hands. \u201cI have yet to see a patient who hasn\u2019t been surprised with all the options to treat hearing loss,\u201d Sullivan says.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Ready to book an appointment with an audiologist<\/a>? Visit Zocdoc.<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

You may not have seen an audiologist since you were a child. Here\u2019s why you might want to make a trip now. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":19848,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[227],"tags":[103,198,108,56,106],"class_list":["post-19847","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-prep","tag-audiology","tag-doctors-and-patients","tag-primary-care","tag-treatment","reviewer-dr-nassim-assefi"],"yoast_head":"\nWhen Should You Really Get a Hearing Check? - Guides<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"You may not have seen an audiologist since you were a child. 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