Choose a symptom and answer simple questions using our physician-reviewed symptom checker to find more information on your health issue.
Have you been exposed to loud noises at work, or have you been shooting guns, driving a truck, or listening to loud music for long periods of time or over many years?
Choose an option below.
Loud noises that result from certain types of work or entertainment may damage the inner ear. This kind of hearing loss is called OCCUPATIONAL.
Are you experiencing partial hearing loss, along with an earache and feeling of fullness in the ear?
Earwax blockage, called CERUMINOSIS or CERUMEN IMPACTION, can cause hearing loss in one or both ears.
Has your hearing loss occurred gradually as you have aged?
You may have PRESBYCUSIS, hearing loss related to aging and other factors.
Are you experiencing gradual hearing loss in one ear only?
You may have an ACOUSTIC NEUROMA, a noncancerous tumor that sits on the hearing nerve.
Do you have bouts of dizziness (losing your balance), nausea, vomiting, and ringing in one ear (tinnitus) with hearing loss in the same ear?
You may have MENIERE’S DISEASE or a more serious TUMOR on the hearing nerve.
Are you taking any medicines?
Certain medicines can cause hearing problems, such as ringing in the ears (TINNITUS).
Do you have pain, reduced hearing, fever, cold symptoms, or a “fluid” sensation in your ear?
This may be due to a cold, flu, allergies, or a more chronic condition, such as SEROUS OTITIS MEDIA, in which fluid builds up in the middle ear.
Do you have ringing or buzzing in one or both ears?
This is called TINNITUS. It may be a benign condition, it may be related to hearing loss, or it may be related to a serious condition, especially if you have other symptoms.
Prevent occupational hearing loss by wearing protective ear plugs or earmuffs. Once the hearing loss has occurred it can’t be reversed. If you think you have occupational hearing loss, see your doctor.
Use warm water or ½ warm water and ½ white vinegar solution, or an over-the-counter earwax removal kit to soften the wax in your ear. If the wax still can’t be removed, see your doctor.
See your doctor for an ear exam and a hearing test with an audiologist (hearing specialist). You may benefit from a hearing aid.
See your doctor.
Use cold medicine for 5 to 7 days. If you don’t feel better, or if you have a constant fever or severe pain, see your doctor. Do not give cough or cold medicines to children under 5 years.
See your doctor to get a hearing test with an audiologist (hearing specialist).
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think the problem is serious, call your doctor right away.
DISCLAIMER
Symptom Checker content is provided for informational purposes only. This tool may leverage certain generative artificial intelligence tools to generate results, but you should not rely on this tool as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health or the information provided when you use this tool, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your healthcare professional because of something you may have read using this tool or on the FamilyDoctor.org website. Use this content solely at your own risk. If you think you may have a medical emergency, dial 911.
