doctorofaudiology
16 Years Experience
Marlboro, NJ
Male, 40
I've been an audiologist for 16 years. I work with all types of patients, focusing on balance disorders, tinnitus, and hearing aids. As I have worked in an Ear, Nose, Throat setting much of my career, I am also exposed to much of the medical side of audiology. ASK ME ANYTHING about being an audiologist.
DISCLAIMER: If you feel that you have a hearing or balance issue, please be sure to see your local ENT or audiologist. This Q&A is not designed to treat or diagnose your problems.
I think your statement about "I can't say I knew I could hear above that before hand" is telling. We are not all born with "perfect hearing". In fact, I hate that phrase. We are born with whatever we are born with. Is there a chance that your hearing was alway impaired in the higher frequencies? Absolutely. And to tell you the truth, most tests wouldn't even catch it. Those who test frequencies that high are mostly researchers. The tinnitus could also indicate hearing impairment. Does the gunshot exposure play a role? Possibly. Without comparison tests, it is difficult to tell.
Obviously...I'm amazing, aren't I? Lol
A few questions. How did you find this out? I ask because most audiologists do not test past 8 kHz, some 12 kHz. If you were using your cell phone or some low-lever speaker, do not be alarmed. Conversely, if you were tested or utilize high-level equipment, I personally would not be concerned if your responses 8 KHz and lower were normal (in fact, some research suggests that we start losing out hearing at age 2!) The x factor is if your hearing is changing drastically. If you had an evaluation with an audiologist, please repeat the test in one year to monitor for change. If you work in an occupation that involves loud noise, please use hearing protection. Hope this helps.
Of this Coronavirus...no. A virus can impact an ear and cause sudden sensory hearing loss. However, hearing loss is not a common symptom of what is going on.
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