What You Need to Know about Hearing Loss

Hearing is one of the most important sense, but unfortunately, millions of people suffer from problems with their hearing. Believe it or not, as many as one in 10 Americans suffer from some degree of hearing impairment. This hearing loss can range from moderate to severe, and even to complete and total loss. Imagine what it would be like to live in a world where you can’t hear the sounds of people talking, music being sung or the sounds of children laughing? Not only would hearing loss impact your happiness, but it would also impact your ability to communicate. When you can’t hear properly, you can’t hear what people are saying to you, which means that your ability to properly communicate is compromised.

Since hearing loss is such a prevalent problem and since it can have such a huge impact on your quality of life, it is important to be aware of the signs, side effects and treatment options of hearing loss. Please continue reading to find out some important information that can greatly impact your ability to hear, and your life, overall.

Signs of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is usually a problem that happens gradually. Over time, your hearing can be impacted, and since it is gradual, the signs of this problem may not be as obvious as you might think. Why? – Because as your hearing changes, you adjust to the loss and become used to the way in which you hear. However, if you suspect you might be suffering from a problem with your hearing, there are signs that will indicate such a problem. If you:

* Have difficulty understanding what is being said in a noisy setting

* Have to ask people to repeat what they say on a regular basis

* Are constantly being told that your television or radio is being played too loudly, but it sounds just fine to you

* You find that you aren’t always understanding what is being said to you

* Have had loved ones tell you that they are concerned about your hearing

Then there is a good chance that you have a hearing problem. If you do have an issue with your hearing, you should seek an assessment and treatment as soon as possible.

Causes of Hearing Loss

There are a number of factors that can contribute to loss of hearing. These include:

* Damage to the inner ear

* Genetics, or familial deafness

* The excessive production and buildup of wax, which blocks the ear drum and effects the way you hear

* Ruptured ear drum

How is a Hearing Problem Gauged

If you do think you are suffering from a problem with your hearing, you are going to want to seek the help of a trained hearing specialist. A medical professional who is experienced and licensed in ear, nose and throat can provide you with an evaluation. This evaluation will consist of a number of tests. You will be asked to listen to a series of sounds in each ear and respond to them. Based on the results of your evaluation, your doctor will be able to determine the rate of your loss of hearing. He will also be able to determine the type of treatment that you require to remedy your hearing loss.

Treatment of Hearing Loss

Typically, the easiest and most effective way to treat hearing loss is with a hearing instrument. Hearing aids can help to amplify sound, making it easier for you to hear.

About the Author: Jeff Jenson specializes in hearing loss and uses Fluke Hearing Instruments to treat his patients.

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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