* Character – Has all your hearing decreased, or just on hearing certain sounds?
* In what situations do you notice the loss: conversations, using the telephone, listening to TV, at a party?
Loss may be apparent when competition from background noise is present, e.g., at a party.
* Do people seem to shout at you?
Rationale: Recruitment – a marked loss occurs when sound is at low intensity, but sound actually may become painful when repeated in a loud voice.
* Do ordinary sounds seem hollow, as if you are hearing in a barrel or under water?
Rationale: Character of hearing loss when cerumen expands and becomes impacted, as in after swimming or showering
* Recently traveled by airplane?
* Any family history of hearing loss?
* Effort to treat – any haring aid or other device? Anything to help hearing?
* Coping strategies – how does the loss affect your daily life? Any job problem? Feel embarrassed? Frustrated? How do your family, friends react?
6. Environmental noise. Any loud noise at home or on the job? For example, do you live in a noise-polluted area, near an airport or busy traffic area? Now or in the past?
Rationale: Old trauma to hearing initially goes unnoticed but results in further decibel loss in later years.
* Are you near other noises such as heavy machinery, loud persistent music, gunshots, while hunting?
* Coping strategies – any steps to protect your ears, such as headphones or ear plugs?
6. Tinnitus. Ever felt ringing, crackling, or buzzing in your ears? When did this occur?
Rationale: The sound of tinnitus originates within the person. Tinnitus accompanies some hearing loss or ear disorders.
* Seem louder at night?
Rationale: Tinnitus seems louder or when no competition from environmental noise exists.