What should I do if I suspect I have a hearing problem?

American Diabetes Association

Talk to your primary care doctor. You may then want to seek help from hearing specialist like: an audiologist, a licensed hearing aid dispenser or a doctor who specializes in hearing problems. From a full hearing exam, you'll learn more about your hearing loss. You will also be told what can be done to treat it.

Continue Learning about Hearing Damage

What Causes Hearing Loss—and How to Lower Your Risk

We all know someone who displays the classic signs of difficulty hearing: They run the television with its volume blaring or maintain the conviction t...

Dr. David M. Vernick, MD

As people age, their actual hearing for sounds decreases. They have the most difficulty hearing quie...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

When caring for someone with hearing damage, it is important to remember that they may experience de...

Listen Up! Don't Let Earbuds Affect Your Hearing

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Hearing Damage

Good hearing depends on a series of events that change sound waves into electrical signals that travel through our cells and nerves to our brains. When the hair cells (cilia) or auditory nerves that make this happen are damaged, your hearing is affected. Most people think of hearing loss (deafness) when the ear is damaged, but you can have other symptoms, too. You may hear a ringing or roaring sound. Most cases of hearing damage in those over 65 are caused by aging and heredity, but doctors are increasingly concerned about hearing damage in young patients, such as those who are exposed to loud on-the-job noises or recreational noise). It's important to understand the causes of hearing loss and what you can do to prevent it.

Learn More