What Are the Red Flags for Audiology Referrals?

Most hearing changes are not emergencies, but certain symptoms should never be treated as routine. Early attention can matter when a hearing or ear problem is sudden, one-sided, painful, or accompanied by balance or neurological symptoms.

Seek prompt medical guidance for sudden hearing loss, severe spinning dizziness, facial weakness or numbness, a severe new headache, hearing changes after injury, or tinnitus that sounds like a heartbeat.

New one-sided hearing loss or tinnitus, persistent drainage, severe ear pain, significant pressure, and a major difference between ears also deserve timely evaluation. An audiologist can document hearing findings and help identify when ENT or other medical assessment is needed.

This list is educational, not a diagnosis. If symptoms feel urgent or severe, use emergency or urgent medical services rather than waiting for a routine hearing appointment.