Audiologists diagnose and treat hearing loss, fit hearing aids
Hearing loss is a common and treatable condition, and one that can occur at any age.
“The baby boomer generation has been more proactive about treating hearing loss than past generations,” said Kimberly Jones, AuD, an audiologist with ProHealth Medical Group. “Many people saw their parents struggle with hearing loss, want to maintain an active and social lifestyle, and understand that hearing devices have improved in effectiveness and style.”
Despite baby boomers’ willingness to get care, only one in three adults seeks treatment for hearing loss. While the needless social stigma of wearing hearing aids is less prevalent today – and many hearing aids are highly effective and hard to notice – some people are reluctant to try them. This can occur even when hearing loss is evident to the individual and people around them.
Causes of hearing loss include genetics, chronic disease, trauma, medications, loud noises and aging. Hearing loss left untreated can lead to:
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Frustration
- Risk of cognitive impairment
- Social isolation
Studies show that people with hearing loss are more likely to have dementia.
“When someone cannot fully hear a conversation, their brain works on overdrive to hear and understand others,” Dr. Jones said. “The strain taxes the working-memory part of the brain and impedes brain processing.”
Hearing loss can become noticeable in a number of ways, including:
- Not hearing well when there is background noise.
- Not being able to follow a conversation in a group or on the phone.
- Not being able to hear details, such as phone numbers.
- Noticing that other people are mumbling.
- Turning up the volume on devices and televisions.
- Not hearing from a distance.
Schedule an appointment with an audiologist if you notice hearing loss. Audiologists have medical training that includes identifying disorders of the ear. They can perform comprehensive hearing testing in a sound booth for an accurate diagnosis, and they can treat hearing loss.
Each ear has its own resonance. Advanced audiologists perform testing that involves placing a tiny microphone in the ear canal. These measurements ensure a precise hearing aid fitting. They also ensure that sound is at a safe level and will not damage your hearing further.
Treating hearing loss is individualized. ProHealth Care audiologists offer the latest FDA-approved hearing instruments from multiple manufacturers so they can customize care options.
Your audiologist will explain hearing aid technology and your options to you, then recommend hearing aids based on your lifestyle and degree of hearing loss. They will also consider your dexterity as it can be challenging to insert, use and change batteries on small devices.
Your audiologist also will teach you about the anatomy of the ear, the type of hearing loss you have and ways to treat it. You may be referred for additional treatment if needed.
Hearing aids can be costly. Audiologists help provide information about insurance coverage, pricing and options. When you receive comprehensive, ongoing care from an audiologist, unexpected costs are reduced.
Hearing loss can progress. Follow-up tests ensure hearing aids are set at appropriate levels and hearing devices are properly cleaned. A trained audiologist can help you even if you experience only subtle changes in your hearing.
If you experience sudden hearing loss, make an appointment with an audiologist or otolaryngologist as soon as possible. You may need immediate treatment.
