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Hearing Problems

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Loss in the ability to hear or discriminate sounds is a common disability. This flow chart will help direct you if hearing loss is a problem for you or a family member.


 

SYMPTOMS   DIAGNOSIS   SELF-CARE
Begin here        
1. Do you have hearing loss in one or both ears? No --> Go to Question 6.*    
Yes, go down        
2. Have you been exposed to loud noises at work, or have you been shooting guns or driving a truck? Yes --> Your hearing loss may be OCCUPATIONAL. --> Ear protection is the best way to prevent hearing loss from work or recreation. Once the loss has occurred it can't be reversed. Wear ear-protecting muffs or plugs to safeguard your hearing. See your doctor to determine the extent of your loss.
No, go down        
3. Have you ever had earwax blockage? Yes --> Earwax blockage, called CERUMINOSIS, can cause hearing loss in one or both ears. --> Let your doctor check your ears. If you've had earwax blockage before, attempt to clear the wax with an earwax removal kit available from your pharmacy.
No, go down        
4. Has your hearing loss occurred gradually as you have aged? Yes --> You may have OTOSCLEROSIS, or hearing loss related to aging and other factors. --> Contact your doctor to have an exam of your ears and a hearing test. You may benefit from a hearing aid.
No, go down        
5. Do you have gradual hearing loss on one side only? Yes --> You may have an ACOUSTIC NEUROMA, a tumor on the hearing nerve. --> Make an appointment to see your doctor.
No, go down        
*6. Do you have a ringing in one or both ears?        
Yes, go down        
7. Do you have bouts of dizziness, nausea or vomiting, ringing in one ear and hearing loss in the same ear? Yes --> You may have MENIERE'S DISEASE or a more serious TUMOR on the hearing nerve. --> Make an appointment to see your doctor.
No, go down        
8. Are you taking any medicines? Yes --> A few medicines can cause hearing problems such as ringing. --> Discuss with your doctor the possibility of a medicine causing your hearing problem.
No, go down        
9. Do you have pain, reduced hearing, fever, cold symptoms or a "fluid" sensation in your ear? Yes --> This may be due to a cold, flu, allergies or a more chronic condition, SEROUS OTITIS MEDIA, in which fluid builds up in the middle ear. --> Use cold medicine for five to seven days. If there's no change, if you have a constant fever or if your pain is severe, contact your doctor.
No, go down        
For more information, please consult your doctor. If you think the problem is serious, call right away.

This tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances. Source: American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Health & Medical Guide. Dallas: Word Publishing; 1996.

Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Family Physicians
 

 
 
 

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