How can I tell if - hearing loss is causing muffled left ear sounds?

[Charles_S]

I think I'm experiencing - hearing loss in my left ear || I think I'm starting to experience - hearing loss in my left ear. For the past few months, people sound muffled on that side and I keep asking them to repeat themselves. I work in a noisy office so I thought it was just that, but it's happening at home too. I'm only in my 40s and it's kind of freaking me out. I guess I need to see an audiologist but I'm not sure where to start.

[Nicholas37]

hearing aids, tinnitus treatment, cochlear implants || I'm in my 40s and for a few months the left ear has felt muffled, like sound is filtered, and I keep asking people to repeat themselves. It's happening at work and at home, so I know it isn't just noise. I want to start the right path but I'm not sure whether to see an audiologist, an ENT, or both and what tests to expect. Any practical starter tips would help hearing aids, tinnitus treatment, cochlear implants