When to See an Audiologist | Beaumont Health

Hearing loss can happen at any age and for many reasons. Hearing loss can be congenital, or present at birth, or can develop suddenly at any age due to medical conditions or certain medications. Generally, hearing loss is associated with aging and develops gradually later in life.

Hearing should be monitored if you have a history of:

ongoing exposure to loud noises
ear infections or inner ear disease
ototoxic (hearing damaging) medications
genetic hearing impairment
dizziness or vertigo
Tinnitus (ear noises)
ear pain or pressure
ruptured eardrum
head injury

Signs you may need to see an audiologist for a hearing evaluation:

have difficulty hearing over the telephone
have trouble following conversations when two or more people speak at once or in a setting with a noisy background
often ask people to repeat themselves
void activities because of problems with hearing and understanding speech
believe most people mumble

have problems hearing or understanding speech of children or women
misunderstand others or respond inappropriately
miss sounds of telephone or doorbell ringing
are confused about where sounds are coming from