Some people are born with hearing loss, but in most cases, it gradually happens to people over time due to factors like aging or prolonged exposure to loud noises.
Whether you’ve noticed that you’re asking people to repeat themselves more often or that you’re having a harder time following conversation at the family dinner table, realizing that your hearing isn’t quite as clear as it used to be can leave you with concern and uncertainty over what to do next.
Let’s go over a few of the best steps to take if you’re worried you have hearing loss.
Find an Audiologist and Schedule a Hearing Test
The most important first step to take if you think there’s something going on with your hearing is to make an appointment for it to be evaluated. You can contact your primary care provider for a referral or reach out to an audiologist directly and schedule an appointment for a hearing test.
An audiologist will examine your ears and test your hearing at various frequencies to determine both the cause and severity of any hearing loss you may be experiencing. Sometimes, issues can be caused by temporary factors like fluid buildup or other blockages in the ear. Once these are addressed, your hearing will likely return to normal. However, in many cases, hearing loss will be permanent.
Consider Your Treatment Options
If you have permanent hearing loss, your audiologist will likely recommend hearing aids. The right type for you will depend on various factors including the severity of your hearing loss, your personal style and fit preferences, as well as your technology needs. Though the options can seem overwhelming at first, your audiologist will work with you to pick an option that’s best for you and help you through the adjustment process.
Enjoy the Benefits of Hearing Aids
Once you get used to your hearing aids, you’ll quickly discover the myriad of benefits associated with them.
A study evaluating the long-term benefits of hearing aid use followed 192 elderly hearing aid users throughout various intervals within the first year of their initial hearing aid fitting. They found that within a year participants experienced:
- Social and emotional benefits
- Better communication with others
- Fewer symptoms of depression
- Improved cognition
- Higher overall quality of life
Whether you want to keep your mind sharp or feel more connected when out at dinner with your spouse at The Bistro at Hollywood Schoolhouse, hearing aids will help you stay connected and active in your day-to-day life.
For more information or to schedule an appointment for a hearing evaluation, call Hearing Advancement Center today.
