Hearing loss is more common than many people realize. Almost half of all people have hearing loss by the time they reach the age of 65. When someone suffers hearing loss, they need to be aware of the diagnostic procedures and how they can receive treatment.
What Are the Signs of Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss can occur at any age. Aside from the aging process, there are multiple factors that may cause someone to lose their hearing. If a person notices any of the following symptoms, they need to seek a diagnosis and treatment from Audiologists Near Me.
- People may experience buzzing or ringing in their ears.
- A person may feel like all sounds and speech are overly muffled.
- Hearing loss causes a person to ask others to repeat what they are saying frequently.
- A person may find it difficult to understand words, especially when there is a lot of background noise.
- People with hearing loss may need to turn up the television, computer, or radio much louder.
- Individuals may withdraw from social situations and conversations because they cannot hear well.
If a person notices any of the following symptoms, they should consider scheduling an appointment with an audiologist. Audiologists diagnose and treat a wide array of hearing loss types. These medical professionals will help a person determine what is causing their hearing loss and what type of treatment will be most beneficial.
What to Expect from a Hearing Test?
Hearing tests are painless and typically take less than an hour. A person will be asked to come into a soundproof booth where they will wear special headphones. Sounds with different tones and pitches will be played into the ears. Patients will be asked to raise their hand or perform some other indication they hear the sound. The audiologist will record all aspects of the test.
A hearing test will show a person if they have hearing loss in one or both ears. The following offers information on the results that occur from hearing tests.
- Those who can hear up to 25 decibels have normal hearing.
- Mild hearing loss occurs at 26 to 40 decibels
- Moderate hearing loss occurs at 41 to 55 decibels
- Severe hearing loss occurs at 71 to 90 decibels
- Profound hearing loss occurs at 91 to 100 decibels
What Are the Treatments for Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss typically occurs gradually, but it can also progress rapidly with certain health conditions. For hearing loss, there are several types and styles of hearing aids available to help make sounds clearer and louder. Some hearing aids are even worn deep within the ear canal so they are not visible to others.
Schedule a Hearing Test Today
Hearing loss can negatively impact a person’s life in many ways. When someone is dealing with the symptoms of hearing loss, they need to take action and schedule a hearing test as soon as possible. People lose their hearing progressively. By the time symptoms begin to happen, the damage has already occurred. Seeking treatment will help improve a person’s hearing and could prevent additional loss.