Do I Have a Hearing Problem?

If you suspect that you are suffering hearing loss, your should see your physician, who may refer you to a hearing specialist.  Generally, if you are dealing with hearing types of problems, you will see one or both of the following types of specialists:

• An Otolaryngologist: This is a physician/surgeon who specializes in diseases of the ears, nose, throat, and head and neck.
• An Audiologist: This is a health care professional who is trained to evaluate hearing loss and related disorders, including balance disorders and tinnitus, and to rehabilitate individuals with hearing loss and related disorders. An audiologist uses a variety of tests and procedures to assess hearing and balance function, and also fits and dispenses hearing aids and other devices related to hearing.

If hearing loss is suspected, your doctor will generally order a complete examination of y our ears, nose and throat in order to identify infections or abnormalities.  Sometimes tonsil, sinus or nasal infections are linked to ear infections which can cause conductive hearing loss.