Hearing loss is all too common in the United States affecting one in 8 people between the age of 12 and 69 in both ears based on standard examinations. With this in mind the likeliness that hearing loss could happen to you is not far-fetched. While hearing loss is often considered a condition affecting only the elderly, statistics show us something different. While it’s true that as we age the risk of hearing loss goes up, but in truth, many factors can increase your risk for hearing loss at any point in your life. With this in mind, it is important to know the signs of hearing loss and acknowledge the possible reality that hearing loss could be affecting you.

Detecting Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is tricky because it can often sneak up over time. It can start subtly and develop gradually over years. Often, it’s not until it is difficult to hear even in the most ideal of settings that people can self-diagnose the issue. At that point many of the dangerous side effects of hearing loss such as issues connecting, strains on relationships, cognitive decline, chronic depression and more have already begun to solidify themselves in your everyday. These side effects often take a lot of time to reverse, and some people never get back to where they were before hearing loss in these areas.

Common Signs of Hearing Loss

Because hearing loss is difficult to self-diagnose it often goes untreated for far too long. Knowing the signs of hearing loss can be a wake up call to encourage you to seek treatment for hearing loss today. Common signs of hearing loss include:

• Needing to turn the TV up to the max while others complain about the volume
• Having to ask people to frequently repeat themselves
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• People’s voices sound muffled
• High pitched sounds are hard to hear

The Importance of Treatment

While hearing loss is irreversible in 90 percent of cases, the good news is that it can be effectively treated using hearing aids. These tiny electronic marvels sit in or around the ear canal amplifying the sounds we need to hear based on our latest hearing exam. When you use hearing aids you choose a life where you can communicate effectively, feel more confident in social situations and are more likely to go new places as well as try new things. Basically, treating hearing loss with hearing aids is a quality-of-life issue. Unfortunately, only about one out of ten people who could benefit from hearing aids chooses to wear them, and, on average, it takes seven to ten years from the time when a person notices hearing loss to the time, they seek treatment for it. 

Regular Hearing Tests Help Prevent More than Untreated Hearing Loss

Often hearing loss can be a sign for other health issues. For instance, people with diabetes, heart issues or hypertension often are at a higher risk for hearing loss. Similarly, studies show that osteoporosis which depletes bone density in patients which also effects the tiniest bones in the body called ossicles which transfer sound in the inner ear. If you have hearing loss it could signal other health issues which are also better caught early to decrease their severity.

Hearing Aids for Treating Hearing Loss

Many people have preconceived notions around hearing aids, based often by the hearing aids of the past that their parents or grandparents may have worn. These older hearing aids were prone to feedback and were incredibly cumbersome. Today’s hearing aids not only offer enhanced hearing capabilities but are smaller sleeker and more user friendly than ever before. Users of today’s hearing aids report a satisfaction rate of 91% after one year of proper use.

Schedule Your Next Hearing Exam With Us!

It may take time to get used to your new hearing aids, but it’s well worth the wait. When you invest in hearing aids you open a whole new world of possibilities. To find out more don’t hesitate to contact us today. We are here to help. We can test your hearing and find the best solution for your hearing needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us today.