Hearing problems are a common sign of aging. However, some people develop them earlier in life due to ear infections, underlying health conditions, continuous exposure to loud sounds, and other reasons. If left unchecked, hearing issues can hinder one’s daily routine and trigger severe complications in the long term. Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists or otolaryngologists, commonly called ear doctors, diagnose and treat hearing loss and other ear-related issues.

Benefits of visiting an ear doctor
Preventive care is a best practice many healthcare professionals recommend. Going for regular ear exams and hearing tests has the following benefits:

Identify the cause of hearing loss
Advancing age is a primary cause of hearing loss, as the ear deteriorates with time. However, many underlying complications like diabetes and hypertension can affect a person’s hearing when young. An ear doctor can help identify the cause of hearing loss and help restore hearing.

Prevent further complications
Losing one’s most basic sense of hearing can be terrifying. The inability to understand and respond can trigger depression, anxiety, irritability, and sadness. Regular checks allow ENT specialists to plan minimally invasive and effective treatment strategies, preventing such consequences and complications.

Better diagnosis and treatment
General physicians may not be able to detect the cause of ear problems. However, specialist doctors like ENTs can do so with the help of complex tests that track hearing changes in real time. They can tell what is triggering an ongoing ear condition and suggest appropriate treatments. Getting one’s hearing checked by a professional thus leads to a better outcome.

When to visit an ear doctor?
The following signs and symptoms indicate hearing loss and organ damage. One should not delay consulting an ENT specialist if these discomforts persist:

Reduced hearing
Being unable to comprehend sounds and struggling to keep up with conversations are signs of reduced hearing. Turning up the volume of audio appliances like TVs and radios in an effort to listen clearly is another tell-tale sign. More often than not, it is possible to cure mild hearing loss. So, one should get the problem checked at the earliest.

Physical pain and pressure
The ear canal is delicate, and the slightest pressure or pain in the region can make it challenging to get through the day. Individuals experiencing such discomfort should visit an expert to determine the cause and get treated.

Difficulty tracking sound
Hearing loss affects a person’s ability to isolate and track sounds or determine where they are coming from. Those experiencing this symptom should visit an ear doctor.

Consistent listening fatigue
It is normal for people to tire after listening to music or engaging in conversations for hours together. This is known as listening fatigue. Some suffer from listening fatigue continuously, even without processing sounds, a symptom that should not be ignored.

Besides the instances mentioned above, one should see an ear doctor if they experience signs like a ringing noise in the ears (tinnitus) or discharge from the ear canal, as these are indications of severe underlying conditions.

Tips to choose an ear doctor
ENT specialists can help diagnose ear problems and plan a suitable course of treatment. Even if complete hearing cannot be restored in cases of hearing loss, specialist doctors can prevent it from worsening. Here are a few tips for identifying the top ear doctors nearby:

Consider referrals
If friends and family recommend otolaryngologists, it is advisable to consult them. Alternatively, one’s family general physician can suggest a good ENT from their network.

Check credentials and experience
Specific online registries list the certifications and qualifications of doctors, so one can easily verify these details before booking an appointment. Besides having their private practice, some ENTs consult at hospitals. Such hospitals may keep an open file on practicing specialists, which patients can browse for information. One should always consult an experienced specialist with a good success rate for treating known hearing conditions.

Consider personal preferences
Communication is key when it comes to managing underlying disorders. Some are comfortable discussing their problems openly with both male and female specialists, while others hesitate to communicate their issues with the opposite gender. Specialists respect the patient’s preferences and provide alternate referrals.

Look for telehealth services
It might not always be possible to visit a clinic for consultations. So, it is beneficial to choose providers with telehealth services that allow patients to communicate their problems on call or via video chat. These arrangements are more effective as one need not wait for their turn at the clinic.

Check insurance coverage
Health insurance does not pay for everything. While some ear treatments might be covered with copayment terms, others might have to be paid for in full by the patient. Besides understanding these terms and conditions, one should compare healthcare providers in the plan’s network for maximum benefits. However, individuals should first ensure the doctor meets all the criteria for being a good ENT before checking whether the expert falls within the policy’s network.