Wax build-up can frequently be flushed out of the ear (gently) with ear syringes (available in drug stores) and warm water. Wax softeners (like Cerumenex) may be needed if the wax is hard and impacted.

Care should be taken when removing foreign bodies. Unless it is easy to get to, have your health care provider remove the object. Don't use sharp instruments to remove foreign bodies.

Call your health care provider if:

• Hearing problems adversely affect lifestyle
• Hearing problems are persistent and unexplained
• Hearing problems go along with other symptoms such as ear pain

The health care provider will take your medical history and do a physical examination.

Medical history questions documenting hearing loss in detail may include:

• Is the hearing loss in both ears or one ear?
• Is the hearing loss mild or severe?
• Is all of the hearing lost (inability to hear any sound)?
• Is there decreased hearing acuity (do words sound garbled)?
• Is there decreased ability to understand speech?
• Is there decreased ability to locate the source of a sound?
• How long has the hearing loss been present?
• Did it occur before age 30?
• What other symptoms are also present?
• Is there tinnitus (ringing or other sounds)?
• Is there ear pain?
• Is there dizziness or vertigo?

The physical examination will include a detailed examination of the ears.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• Audiometry (an electronic hearing test)
• Auditory response test
• Caloric test
• CT scan of the head (if a tumor or fracture is suspected)
• MRI of the ear (see MRI of the head)
• Tympanometry
• X-ray of the head

A hearing aid or cochlear implant may be provided to improve hearing.

Baloh RW. Hearing and Equilibrium. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA : Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 454.

Wrightson AS. Universal newborn hearing screening. Am Fam Physician. 2007; 75(9):1349.