Which department should I contact for hearing loss?

If you have any of the following symptoms, do not wait and call emergency services (112) immediately.

• Sudden or rapidly progressing hearing loss
• Severe dizziness or loss of balance
• Blood or purulent discharge from the ear
• Severe earache or high fever

The primary specialists for routine assessments are:

• Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist: Ear examination, initial assessment to determine the cause of hearing loss, and necessary referrals.
• Audiologist: Provides information and practical support regarding auditory testing (audiometry and similar assessments), devices, and rehabilitation options.
• Clinical Neurophysiology: May be necessary for the evaluation of auditory pathways in some cases; referred by ENT.

It is generally appropriate to start with an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) appointment; the ENT specialist will then refer you to audiology or neurophysiology if deemed necessary.

Experts can recommend a variety of assessments to determine the degree of hearing loss and its possible causes.

• Measuring hearing level through audiological assessments.
• Ear examination and external ear canal assessment
• Further examinations and expert referrals if necessary.

The necessary tests vary depending on the individual case; this decision is made jointly by an ENT specialist and an audiologist.

Experts provide guidance on rehabilitation and social support options for hearing loss.

• Hearing rehabilitation and speech-language therapy may be recommended as needed.
• Information and trials regarding hearing aids or other assistive technologies are provided by an audiologist.
• You can apply to the relevant social service units for social rights such as disability reports, education, and employment support.

Suitability for a device or rehabilitation program is determined based on expert assessments.