Have you noticed that everyone at the office sounds like they are mumbling or that you are having a harder time following the conversation when out to a family dinner at Joanie’s Pizzeria of Long Grove? If so, these might be early signs of hearing loss.
For most people, hearing loss comes on gradually. If you are realizing that you may have a hearing problem, you may be unsure what to do. Let’s go over what steps to take if you are worried about hearing loss.
Schedule an Appointment for a Hearing Test
If you’re concerned about your hearing, the most important first step to take is to talk about it with your primary care provider or reach out to an audiologist. They will examine your ears and perform a hearing test to determine if hearing loss exists, and if it does, the cause and severity.
Learn About Your Treatment Options
Some cases of hearing loss are temporary and due to blockages in the ear, like fluid or excess earwax. In those cases, removing the blockage should return your hearing back to normal. However, if your hearing loss is due to damage to the hair cells in the inner ear or auditory nerve that happens from aging or prolonged exposure to loud noise, then it is permanent. In that case, hearing aids are the most common treatment option.
Adjust To Your New Way of Hearing
When you first get hearing aids, you can expect there to be a bit of an adjustment time as your ears and brain adjust to a new way of hearing. Be patient with yourself and take things slow. Wear your hearing aids in quiet environments in the home before venturing out with them to louder venues. Stay in contact with your audiologist and let them know of any issues you are having so they can offer advice and make any needed changes to your settings or fit.
See What Hearing Aids Can Do for You
Once you get used to wearing your hearing aids, you’ll be able to fully experience all the amazing things they can do for you.
A study evaluating the long-term benefits of hearing aid use followed 192 elderly hearing aid users throughout various intervals within the first year of their initial hearing aid fitting. They found that within a year participants experienced:
- Social and emotional benefits
- Better communication with others
- Fewer symptoms of depression
- Improved cognition
- Higher overall quality of life
Take the first step towards better hearing health today and call the specialists at North Shore Audio-Vestibular Lab to schedule an appointment.