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Warning-sign checks

Hearing loss: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Get emergency help if hearing loss follows a serious head injury or occurs with signs of a stroke, such as facial weakness, arm weakness, severe loss of balance, confusion, or difficulty speaking.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent same-day medical assessment if hearing drops suddenly in one or both ears, especially if the change developed over hours or within a few days.

    Do not assume that a suddenly blocked feeling is wax.

    Prompt medical advice is also important for hearing loss with severe ear pain, bloody or pus-like discharge, fever with significant illness, a foreign object in the ear, or new weakness or numbness.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if hearing has gradually worsened, tinnitus is persistent, one ear hears noticeably less than the other, or hearing difficulty is affecting conversations, work, school, or safety.

    Children with possible hearing, speech, or language difficulties should be assessed without unnecessary delay.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hearing loss. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.