What You Should Know About Hearing Loss
ShareIf you have noticed lately that your hearing is not as good as it used to be or have been told that you seem to have a hearing problem by friends or family, you may be wondering what you can or should do about the situation. This is particularly true if you think that you may need to get hearing aids. When dealing with hearing loss, there are many facts that you should know about the process of managing the condition. Get to know some of these facts and then, you can begin the process of addressing your hearing issues as soon as possible.
You Are Never Too Young for Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is not an issue that is exclusive to people that are aging. Older adults do have a higher prevalence of hearing loss, but younger people can have hearing trouble. There are actually several types of hearing loss, and age-related hearing loss is just one of them.
Various viruses and genetic conditions can cause hearing loss. Meningitis, for example, can cause hearing loss. Ménière's disease is an inner ear problem that can cause a number of symptoms, including vertigo and hearing loss. Usher's syndrome is a hereditary condition that a person may be born with that can cause hearing loss as well. These are just a few examples of the many causes of hearing loss that can affect a person from birth to adulthood that have nothing to do with old age.
You Can Get a Hearing Test to Find Out If You Have Hearing Loss
The first step that you will want to take when you suspect you are dealing with some form of hearing loss is to go get a hearing test. This initial test will just check your hearing levels and capabilities and compare it either to previous hearing tests you have had or to the norm for people your age.
A hearing test is a completely painless process. You will wear headphones and your doctor will pipe sounds through the headphones. You will then be asked to indicate if you hear the sound and in which ear (by raising your corresponding hand). Then, they will tally up your score and tell you what is going on.
A Hearing Aid Fitting and Evaluation Will Be Next
If you have hearing loss, the next step will likely be to get hearing aids. First, you will get fitted for hearing aids. This process allows you to try on different styles of hearing aids including those that are virtually invisible inside the ear as well as over-the-ear models, and others.
You will also get a hearing aid evaluation. This is designed to help you find the right hearing aid strength and settings for your hearing needs.
Now that you know some of these facts you should know about hearing loss and what to do, you can schedule your appointment to have a hearing evaluation as soon as possible. Contact a clinic, like Audiology Consultants, P.C., for more help.