When Should You Have Your Hearing Evaluated

Hearing loss in today's world is more common than many may realize. It is usually a slow process, so slow at times, that one may not even know that it is taking place. Often, it is because of the observation of others that one is alerted to the problem. When it occurs as part of the aging process, it can take as long as 25 years for one to realize that they have been having a problem hearing.

For this reason, it is often recommended that screening begin at 50 years old and that it be repeated every 3 years. Of course, one should be tested as soon as possible if there are noticeable problems that did not exist previously. Human communication depends on speech and hearing for the most part, therefore, it is important to keep these senses in the best shape possible.

There are numerous signs one may encounter which could indicate the development of a hearing problem. For instance, if a family member is constantly turning the TV down, saying that it is much too loud, this may indicate that a visit to the doctor is in order. Other common signs include asking others to repeat what they had previously said, having difficulty hearing when using the phone, hearing ringing or other noise in the ears, or not being able to hear others clearly when having a conversation within a group.

Hearing loss can affect one's life in various ways. Going out socially may become difficult, especially if one has trouble following conversations. If this takes place, it could lead to inappropriate responses during that conversation. Hearing loss can make one feel embarrassed when they need to have others repeat something previously said, as well as feeling stressed from straining to hear what others are saying, especially in noisy situations such as restaurants or conferences.

If one finds themselves in this position, they should make an appointment with an audiologist, a doctor whose specialty is preventing, diagnosing and treating hearing problems. After performing screening tests, the doctor will be able to determine if there actually is hearing loss taking place, the cause of it, and what will be the most efficient way to treat it. No two hearing problems are the same, and there are various treatment options.

One of the most widely used assistive devices for hearing loss is the hearing aid. Unlike those from years ago, today's hearing aids come in several styles. Some simply allow the user to increase the volume of sound entering the ear, while others are programmed to match the individual hearing loss. Newest are the digital hearing aids, which can adapt to different sound environments. They can be programmed to fit most needs, and are the clearest and the most distortion free of the instruments.

In addition, there are several styles of hearing aids available for the patient. These include devices that fit entirely in the ear, those that are larger and fit in the bowl of the ear, and the largest, which fits in the ear as well as behind. Depending on the needs and wishes of the patient, the audiologist will help to choose the best device for their case.

Taking care of one's hearing should be as high a priority as any other aspect of one's health. Being aware of the signs of possible hearing loss is the first step in this process, and if a visit to the audiologist is warranted, one should not hesitate to go. The screening process is uncomplicated, and with the advances in technology today, hearing loss can be minimized as much as possible.