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Warning-sign checks

Age-related hearing loss: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care when hearing loss occurs with stroke-like symptoms, severe neurologic symptoms, or significant head trauma.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a clinician promptly for new one-sided hearing loss, increasing asymmetry between the ears, persistent ear pain or drainage, significant dizziness, or tinnitus that pulses with the heartbeat.

    Seek urgent same-day assessment for hearing that suddenly decreases over hours or within a few days.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if hearing difficulty is affecting conversations, television listening, work, safety, or social activities.

    A primary care clinician, audiologist, or ear, nose, and throat specialist can help determine the appropriate evaluation.

    People who use hearing aids usually need follow-up for fitting, comfort, sound quality, and maintenance.

    Hearing can change over time, so repeat testing may be useful when symptoms worsen or devices no longer provide enough benefit.

    Earwax and device problems should also be checked because either can reduce hearing-aid performance.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Age-related hearing loss. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.