I think I might have a hearing problem. Advice?

Question

I'm 16, and I had my hearing checked about 2 years ago, because I needed things to be loud to be able to hear them properly. I could hear them when quiet, but couldn't understand them, even though everyone else could. Audiologist said my hearing was normal. Now I am having even more problems, especially if there is back ground noise, like in restaurants or classrooms. It's very frustrating, to not hear the phone ring, or to know someone is talking to you, but have no idea what they are saying. I do not listen MP3 or IPod players, but I do play the flute and piccolo, and am in a concert band and choir, and work in a music store. Any advice on what I should do?

Answer 1

If this is getting worse it's probably time to see an audiologist again. Contact your regular doctor and ask if you could get a referral to one.  In the meantime start writing down each time you are having hearing problems, what your hearing problem is like at that time and what the situation is (noisy room, can't hear the phone, need volume higher than other people need or want, also your stress level right before the problem started each time).  Stress can be a contributor to hearing difficulty but you still should be evaluated by an audiologist since this is having quite an effect in your every day functioning due to the hearing problem.

Answer 2

Get a second opinion for sure. Consider going to an ENT (Ear Nose Throat Doctor). Do you have problems with balance? Do you or have you had lots of ear infections? Do you get headaches?

There could be something else going on... fluid collection in your ears... sinus problems.... etc.

In the meantime, don't tune people out. You are training yourself to TUNE people out when you should concentrate on what is going on. It's hard to focus because you can't distinguish the sounds very well, but try. Even if you have to lip read or ask people to repeat themselves. Sit closer to people or whatever. You can help yourself by training yourself to pay attention even though you hear background noise and muffled noise easier than a single noise like a voice.

Hope you get a second opinion! Good luck.