Hearing loss is a problem that affects about 20 percent of Americans to some degree. Sadly, not everyone living with hearing loss realizes they have a problem. Hearing loss usually occurs gradually, which is why it is practically impossible to self-diagnose.
That doesn't change the fact that living with hearing loss is extremely frustrating, not just for a person with the problem but for their friends and family. Trying to communicate when you're hard of hearing is frustrating and even exhausting, and so is trying to talk with someone who is hard of hearing.
In many ways, being tested for hearing loss or suggesting a loved one be tested is one of the greatest gifts you can give. If you're the one who is being tested and you find that you have some degree of hearing loss, you will have plenty of opportunities to improve your hearing and your quality of life. If you have someone you care about have their heating test, if they have hearing loss that person will almost certainly find more enjoyment in life when they receive treatment or the right hearing aid.
Those With Hearing Loss May Not Know What They're Missing
As much as people think they'd know if they were losing their hearing, it's a surprisingly difficult problem to diagnose. People often don't know how bad their hearing is, especially since they don't know that they sometimes don't know they're missing certain sounds around them. They might not be aware that they are turning up their radios or TVs as loudly as they are, and since hearing loss looks a lot like someone being absent-minded or aloof, many of its symptoms are missed by loved ones and colleagues.
The only way to be sure that someone is losing their hearing is with a hearing test. In many cases, hearing tests are administered by audiologists. Not only can a hearing test help you find out whether or not a person has a hearing problem, but a doctor of audiology may even be able to pinpoint the reason for the hearing loss and provide medical referrals or treatment recommendations.
Hearing Aid Solutions
Regardless of the reason for hearing loss, being fitted for a hearing aid can usually provide a great benefit. Many people think that hearing aids only amplify sounds so they are louder, but most modern hearing aids help to filter out background noises and make human speech easier to understand. It's not about making sounds louder as much as it is about making them clearer.
Perhaps the best reason to be tested for hearing loss is that there is nothing to lose. If it turns out that you have hearing loss, it can usually be treated with a hearing aid or some simple lifestyle changes. Your life will get easier and allow you to be more active, no matter how mild or profound your hearing loss may be.
Improving a person's health is one of the best gifts you can give them, even when it's a gift for yourself. Contact a doctor of audiology today to schedule a clinical hearing assessment as hearing loss is a progressive condition and early detection is important.