Tinnitus and hearing loss — which specialty
Ringing or hissing in the ear, or hearing becoming worse.
Usually seen by
ENT
Other directions, depending on what comes with it:
- Neurology — if ringing on one side comes with dizziness and loss of balance
Not sure you have picked the right one? Start with general internal medicine — routing you to the right place is their job, not yours.
Go now, without waiting for an appointment, if any of these apply
- Sudden hearing loss in one ear — being seen within the first days makes a real difference here
- Ringing with severe dizziness and vomiting
- Ringing with weakness of one side of the face
- Discharge or blood from the ear after an injury
This list is not exhaustive and does not replace judgement on the spot. If something is clearly wrong and you are unsure, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest facility — waiting in order to be certain is the most dangerous way to spend the time.
What you will be asked — have the answers ready
- One side or both
- What kind of sound: ringing, hissing, a low hum, or in time with your pulse
- Whether hearing has reduced as well
- Whether you work in a noisy environment
- Which medicines you take
A first appointment is short. Having these answers ready is the cheapest way to avoid a second visit that exists only to supply information.
Bring with you
- Previous hearing test results
- A list of medicines
- A description of your work environment
What a first visit usually involves
- Examination of the ear
- A hearing test
- Imaging if one-sided ringing persists