Diagnosis

Hearing loss occurs when any part of the ear stops working. The degree to which the ear is damaged or, in some cases, missing determines the level or amount of hearing loss a person has. Hearing loss can be mild, moderate, severe or profound. Depending on the parts of the ear affected and the extent of the damage, how one individual experiences hearing loss can differ quite a bit from another.

A proper hearing loss diagnosis is usually made by an audiologist and otolaryngologist, professionals who specialize in hearing health. For adults experiencing hearing loss, a referral to an audiologist is made after initial screening tests show there may be a problem. In addition to routinely testing your hearing, it is important to tell your health care provider about any changes in hearing you experience. Only a trained specialist can tell you exactly what type and level of hearing loss you have.