How Is Hearing Loss Diagnosed?
A doctor diagnoses hearing loss by looking at your medical history and conducting a physical examination. If the initial tests suggest or reveal hearing loss, you will undergo more thorough hearing tests. These tests will confirm that you have a hearing loss, find out how severe it is, and discover which part of the ear is affected. Maintaining Hearing Health The cause and type of hearing loss will determine which type of treatment you will receive. In some cases, hearing loss can be reversed by treating the underlying problem, such as treating an ear infection with antibiotics or removing excessive earwax. In other cases, an individual may require the assistance of a hearing aid. Treating Earwax Buildup Earwax buildup, which also is referred to as cerumen impaction, occurs when the earwax becomes tightly packed into the external ear canal, thus blocking it. People who wear hearing aids or who frequently wear earplugs, headsets, or earpieces are susceptible to earwax buildup. The use o