Hearing problems are very frustrating for the person suffering from it. Hearing problems are manifested in a gradual manner and if not treated may lead to hearing loss. Hearing problems can be corrected in the initial stages itself by observing the symptoms. For treating hearing related problems specialists are needed such as ENT. Hearing problems are diagnosed through a hearing test. Let us know more about the basics of hearing problems.The most apparent symptom of having a hearing problem is finding it hard to hear. But hearing loss with the passage of years is pretty common with people, whether man or woman. It is always a close family member or friend who becomes the first people to make you aware of whether or not you are facing hearing impairment.
In the Initial Stages, These are the Probable and Common Symptoms to Watch Out For:
- You frequently ask people to repeat themselves.
- You end up giving wrong answers as you could correctly hear the question or conversation.
- You naturally tend to socialize less and you fear frequent goof ups.
- There is a noted behavioral change in the person. Frustration and irritability begin to surge.
- It is also found that the people who are nearing a hearing loss tend to face much more difficulty in understanding a speech compared to their failure to hear that speech per se.
- The ear feels a lot of pressure on its ear drums. They feel like they are hearing noises like buzzing, sound of crickets, ringing, seashells and steam along with a host of other sounds.
- There is a persistent feeling of dizziness too.
Other Points to Remember
The most important point to remember is that a person does not become hearing impaired all of a sudden or one fine day. It is a gradual process and one needs to constantly look out for symptoms that the body gives out in the form of signals. In certain cases, this can be a sudden development as well, when it happens as a follow through of a sudden accident or trauma. Then again, this can be a fluctuating situation where the condition is good in one moment and bad in another. The situation can actually be said to regressively progressive.
Hearing Doctors or Specialists
There are several categories of hearing specialists that you might need to consult depending on your symptoms and problems.
Otolaryngologist –
They are commonly known as ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialists. Catering to and diagnosing hearing problems is another job for them.
Otologist –
this is basically a subspecialty of otolaryngology. They have a special interest in the hearing issues.
Neurotologist –
this is again a subspecialty of otology. There are relatively few specialists in this category as the field is just three decades old. Their filed of study is specialized of the diseases of the inner ear along with the ear and
brain interface. They are also surgeons who are well equipped to perform surgeries of the skull base and the intracranial surgery according to the condition of the patient.
Otoneurologist –
these specialists have a background in neurology and they are best to cater to problems dealing with hearing wand balance. They can also perform surgery on the ear related structures.
The Factors That are Tracked When you Have a Hearing Problem:
- The time since when it has been there.
- The rate of progression.
- Whether there are other related problems like some unforeseen, sudden and extreme noise exposure or some head injury or other illness.
- If other close member of the family is also having a hearing problem.
- Whether there was ear infection.
The doctor arrives at a conclusion after conducting a thorough hearing test or an audiogram. The history of the patient, his overall health condition and the hearing tests are conducted in a sound proof room. The balance and the sensation part are also assessed.
