Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 3/11/2009

Question
I work with the public and find that I often cannot understand what folks are saying to me across the counter or across the room. I hear the noise but not the exact words.I had a hearing test and was told my hearing is ok. I also have allergy and sometimes get nauseous-- I believe because of ear fullness, they 'feel' full, but my doctor doesn't see anything unusual in my ears. The nausea problem is especially bad with movement-- I can't drive for instance without taking allergy pills. I've got nasal steroids and have tried several allergy pills and nothing seems to help make my ears not feel full or my hearing to be better. The pills do help me avoid being nauseous or having motion sickness--but my hearing stays poor and my ears still feel full.

Is there something would help that you know of? Should I find some kind of specialist?

Answer
Hi Mary,
You leave out a very important bit of information - your age. Usually, as we get a bit older, hearing in quiet may remain normal, but hearing when there is noise or another distraction in the background becomes more difficult. Even with "normal" hearing or a mild loss, it gets more and more difficult to hear in background noise.  One reason for this is delayed auditory processing.

You need to consult a specialist in auditory processing disorders and be tested. Part of that test should contain a Speech in Noise test that will assess how you do hear in noise.  Very often a mild gain hearing aid can help you with this problem.

Hope this helps.
Harriet B,. Jacobster, AuD
Board Cdertified in Audiology