How to Know if Your Hearing is Damaged
Hearing loss is painless and gradual. It usually develops over several years - you might not even notice the loss during those years.
Sometimes, overexposure to loud noise can trigger ringing or other sounds in your ears, called Tinnitus. While tinnitus may be a symptom of damaged hearing, it can also be caused by infections, medications, and earwax.
The only way to know for sure if noise has damaged your hearing is to have a hearing examination by a certified audiometric technician, audiologist, otolaryngologist, or physician.
If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, your hearing may be at risk:
- Do you frequently ask people to repeat sentences?
- Do you feel your hearing is not as good as it was 10 years ago?
- Have family members noticed a problem with your hearing?
- Are you exposed to loud noise without hearing protection where you work?
- Do you have to shout to a co-worker because of the noise around you?
- Are you exposed to noise from firearms, motorcycles, snowmobiles, power tools, or loud music without hearing protection?
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-5. What is the symptom called that causes ringing or other sounds in your ears due to overexposure to noise?
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