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The following article was published in Your Health Magazine. Our mission is to empower people to live healthier.
Kathy Mellott, AuD
Listen For Signs of Hearing Loss
Audiology Unlimited
. http://www.audiologyunlimited.net/

Listen For Signs of Hearing Loss

Now hear this one in ten or more than 26 million Americans has some type of hearing problem. And if you think all of them are in their golden years, think again. Nearly half of those people are under the age of 65.
A person of any age can develop a hearing problem. Hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors, such as noise, genetics, age, even some medications. Frequently, friends and family members notice the problem before the affected individual does. For adults, hearing loss can occur so gradually over the years that they dont even realize their hearing has deteriorated. The old adage of being the last to know, can apply here.
Hearing problems can affect the quality and enjoyment of life. Ask yourself the following questions to evaluate whether you may be experiencing hearing loss
Do you ask others to repeat often, or do people seem to frequently mumble?
Do you have troubling understanding conversation (even though you may hear it), particularly in a noisy place or where there is other background noise?
Do you experience frustration, fatigue, stress or confusion trying to follow conversations?
Do you pretend to understand, and then often respond inappropriately?
Do you find yourself avoiding groups or strangers or withdrawing from social activities because it is too difficult to hear?
Do you turn up the radio or TV louder than others prefer?
Do you find telephone conversations increasingly difficult?
Do you have trouble hearing when you are not facing the speaker?
Do you turn one ear toward a speaker to help you hear?
Do others comment that you speak too loudly?
Do you experience ringing in your ears?
Has a family member or friend ever commented that you dont hear well?
Do you find yourself frequently denying you have a hearing problem?
A positive response to one of these questions does not necessarily indicate a hearing problem. However, if you answered yes to several, you may have hearing loss. The best way to find out for sure is to bring your concerns to an audiologist, who can perform a complete hearing test.
If you do have a problem, a hearing aid may be recommended. If so, know that you are not alone. It is estimated that nearly six million people wear hearing aids and another 20 million people have some form of hearing loss and could benefit from wearing an aid. Todays technology has resulted in significant advances in treatment. There are a variety of hearing aid styles available, some no larger than a dime. Your hearing care professional can recommend the one that is right for you. Unlike hearing aids of the past, this new generation amplifies sounds in a way that is natural and pleasing. Better hearing can definitely improve the quality of your life.
If you suspect hearing loss, see your hearing care professional for testing, advice and treatment.

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