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Warning-sign checks

Occupational 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

    Use emergency services after a blast or head injury if there is severe bleeding, clear fluid from the ear, loss of consciousness, confusion, new facial weakness, severe trouble walking, or other possible stroke symptoms.

    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 healthcare professional promptly if hearing loss mainly affects one ear, is getting worse quickly, or occurs with ongoing ear pain, discharge, dizziness, or balance problems.

    Seek urgent, same-day medical care for sudden hearing loss in one or both ears, especially if it develops over hours or a few days.

    Sudden inner-ear hearing loss can feel like blockage or pressure and may occur with tinnitus or dizziness.

    Early assessment is important.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine hearing assessment if you gradually notice difficulty understanding speech, need more volume, develop ongoing tinnitus, or have repeated dull hearing after noisy shifts.

    You should also seek assessment if a workplace hearing test shows a significant change.

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