When a Hearing Loss Test Is Needed

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Thursday, February 22nd, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

For some people, hearing loss is inevitable. Genetic disorders or serious injuries can mean an unavoidable loss. For most people who experience hearing problems, a hearing loss test taken in time can lead to successful treatment or timely rehabilitation.

While older people can adjust to some hearing loss (Beethoven wrote symphonies after losing his hearing), babies need their hearing to develop language, communication and social skills.

More and more hospitals are screening newborns for hearing problems. If an infant is found to be hearing impaired, steps can be taken to treat a problem that can be treated or take other steps to help a child develop language and social skills with some or total loss of hearing.

The goal of newborn screening is to administer a simple hearing loss test before the age of one month. If an infant fails the test, it should be re-administered before the age of three months. Babies who need help should start receiving it before the age of six months to help the child develop normal social abilities. Children should have their hearing tested again before the age of five years to find out if special education is necessary.

Hearing Loss Tests Should Be Done Often

Normal screenings should be taken about every ten years until the age of fifty, when screenings should be more frequent. A hearing loss test is also called for when a hearing problem is noticed. An ear doctor will begin by finding out about symptoms and the medical history. Usually, a physical examination is included.

Whether your hearing loss test is the result of noticeable symptoms or because your doctor noticed a hearing loss during a regular physical, you will be asked about exposure to loud noise, medication, and symptoms such as ringing in your ears, muffled hearing and dizziness. This will help the doctor narrow down a possible cause.

The hearing loss test will include an examination of the ears. The otoscope is the lighted instrument that allows the doctor to see into the ear. It will reveal problems in the ear canal, eardrum and middle ear. If needed, the hearing loss test will include a hearing evaluation.

While the cause of hearing problems may be as simple as a buildup of wax or an obstruction, it can also be caused by an infection or injury which, left untreated, could result in permanent loss. Sometimes, a hearing loss is a symptom of an even more serious problem. If you experience a hearing problem, don’t put off calling the doctor. A hearing loss test might prove to be very important.