The first step in getting a diagnosis is telling your healthcare provider that you may have a hearing problem.

• Your provider will check for earwax buildup, infection, or other causes of hearing loss. 
• They may send you to an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT) or an audiologist (hearing specialist) for more testing or treatment. 
• Audiologists test hearing and can help you manage hearing loss.

Medicare will pay for an audiology evaluation if your medical provider orders it.

Last Reviewed and Updated: October 2026 
By: AGS/HiAF Public Education Committee, HealthinAging.org Content Reviewers