Tag: degree of hearing loss

What To Do If You’re Losing Your Hearing

Nearly one in five Americans have some degree of hearing loss, making it one of the country's most common health conditions. The causes of losing your hearing are as unique as the people who suffer from it, with the best treatment depending on a person's lifestyle and other factors. If you're having trouble hearing, the most important step is to schedule a hearing test and a professional evaluation. Why Is It So Important To Treat Hearing Loss? While unaddressed hearing loss affects learning, social engagement, and linguistic development in children, it can lead to a decrease in communication and a diminished quality of life in adults. For those nearing retirement age, hearing loss is linked to psychological and physiological issues such as depression, decreased mobility, and cognitive impairment. Regardless of age, it's important to seek proper treatment if you're losing your hearing. 1. Treatment With Hearing Aids If a hearing care specialist has recommended hearing aids, they'll be fitted to your ears and degree of hearing loss. While hearing aids don't restore hearing, they do amplify sounds in certain ranges. Modern hearing aids are highly customizable, accentuating important sounds and minimizing outside noise. While they're no substitute for natural hearing, they work well for most people with minimal to moderate hearing loss. 2. Using Cochlear Implants For some people, hearing aids don't offer enough sound amplification—which makes cochlear implants a great option. Although surgery is required, people of every age can obtain this type of treatment. Unlike in-ear and behind-the-ear hearing aids, implants are typically covered by insurance. 3. Auditory Rehabilitation and Training Whether you've received cochlear implants or hearing aids, auditory rehabilitation may retrain your brain to process sounds properly. Some exercises must be done in a specialist's office while others, such as the use of smartphone apps and audiobooks, can be done at home. These and other rehabilitative treatments can make it easier and less frustrating to deal with hearing loss. 4. Using Assistive Devices While implants and hearing aids are enormously helpful, they're not right for everyone. Assistive listening devices, or ALDs, can make it easier for people to listen to music, talk on the phone, or watch TV. These devices may include amplified phones, smartphone apps, and loops that connect to hearing aids. You May Also Check: Important Habits to Protect Your Ear Health and Hearing 5. Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Tinnitus is an early sign of hearing loss, and it's quite common among older people. Many hearing aids include masking features that help wearers tune out the constant ringing in their ears. Other treatments are available, so talk to your care provider. 6. Sudden vs. Gradual Hearing Loss Acute onset (sudden) hearing loss is a condition that requires prompt attention. If you're experiencing rapid hearing loss, schedule an appointment with a specialist immediately. Those whose hearing test results come back normal, but still have trouble hearing, may suffer from what's known as gradual or hidden hearing loss. These patients may be able to benefit from the use of hearing aids in noisy situations. Help for Hearing Loss is Available Although hearing loss is a common condition, it doesn't have to change your life. With advances in technology and the availability of medical treatments, now is the right time to get help for hearing loss. Visit Hearing Health Solutions on social media or call today to schedule an appointment. Read Also: Treatments and home remedies to tackle tinnitusHealthy and Hearty: 5 Iconic Spots to Eat in ChicagoA Guide To Ear Wax Removal From Camden Opticians