Most people do not think about getting their ear tested until they are faced with a problem. Some of the most common signs that you need an ear doctor are when you hear ringing in your ears, suffer chronic or persistent pain, or have trouble hearing a conversation.
You can book an appointment with an ear specialist doctor in Varanasi if you or your loved ones have persistent or chronic symptoms of ear problems. But should you go to an ear doctor if everything is okay?
Did you know the last time anyone had their ear tested was during the school’s annual medical checkup? If you are one of them, it is time you schedule an appointment with an ear doctor immediately. Adults over the age of 21 who do not have hearing loss must get their ear tested at least once every ten years until they turn 50 and at least once in three years after that.
Baseline Testing
During your consultation, your ear doctor will perform a physical examination first. A baseline test is performed to check your hearing. You will be asked to consult with an audiologist if there is a hearing loss. The baseline test helps to understand how much the hearing capacity has changed over the years.
Hearing Screening
Hearing screening is a quick test to understand if you need more screening to determine the cause of the ear problem. A hearing screening and hearing test are not the same? The hearing test is more comprehensive, while a hearing screening may or may not result in further tests.
If you pass a hearing screening, it means you do not have a hearing loss. But if you fail one, you may need more tests under a specialist to determine the best treatment plan.
While babies are screened at birth, children go through screening in school. It is mostly adults that do not undergo hearing screening and experience the symptoms of hearing loss. Most times, hearing loss is caused by ‘otitis media,’ a type of ear infection where a part of the eardrum is inflamed. Otitis media is caused by allergies, cold, build-up of pus or mucus from bacteria or virus.
Apart from an ear infection that can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss, it can also be caused by
- Earwax build-up
- Swimmer’s ear or inflammation of the external auditory canal
- Trauma to the head or ear
- Cholesteatoma, a condition that develops due to an ongoing ear infection
You must consult with a specialist if you experience severe pain or fluid-like pus and blood coming out of your ear. If you experience any ear infection symptoms, you can book an appointment with any of the best ear specialists in Varanasi.