Have you been struggling with your hearing? If you or someone you know are experiencing hearing loss, you are simply not alone. Statistics inform us that it takes the average person seven years from the time they first recognize a hearing loss until they are finally ready to seek treatment. Don’t wait! You can be on your way to solving this problem with the help of our team at Pacific Hearing Care.
When to Seek Help
The signs of hearing loss can be subtle and emerge slowly. It’s also possible that early signs of hearing loss can come on suddenly, changing your day-to-day life significantly and swiftly. In either case, there are common signs of hearing impairment.
You should consult an ear, nose throat specialist (ENT or otolaryngologist) if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Rapidly progressive or sudden hearing loss.
- Recurrent, chronic or even acute episodes of dizziness.
- Unilateral or asymmetric hearing loss
- History of pain, active drainage, or bleeding from an ear.
- Appearance of blood, pus, cerumen plug, foreign body, or other material in the ear canal.
Aspects of Hearing Loss
Do you feel frustrated when talking to members of your family because you have difficulty hearing them? Do you have trouble hearing the TV or radio at levels that are loud enough for others? Do you feel restricted or limited by a hearing problem? If any of these examples sound familiar, it’s important to understand that there are multiple dimensions and aspects to hearing loss. Below, find a detailed but not exhaustive list:
Medical Aspects of Hearing Loss
- You have a history with or currently experience diabetes, heart, circulation or thyroid problems.
- You take medications that can harm the hearing system (ototoxic drugs).
- You have been exposed to very loud sounds over a long period or single exposure to explosive noise.
- You have a family history of hearing loss.
Social Aspects of Hearing Loss
- You have your TV or radio turned up to a high volume.
- You answer or respond inappropriately in conversations.
- You have ringing in your ears.
- You read lips or more intently watch people’s faces when they speak with you.
- You require frequent repetition.
- You have a difficult time following conversation that involve more than two people.
- You think that other people sound like they’re mumbling or are muffled.
- You have difficulty hearing in noisy situations, like restaurants, malls, or crowded meeting rooms.
Emotional Aspects of Hearing Loss
- You feel worried and stressed out from straining to hear what people are saying.
- You feel uncomfortable meeting new people or from misunderstanding what others are saying.
- You feel anxious about trying to hear and understand.
- You feel annoyed with others because you can’t hear or understand them.
- You withdraw from social situations that you once enjoyed because of difficulty hearing.
Who to Consult: Types of Hearing Health Professionals
- Audiologist: is a healthcare professional qualified thoroughly evaluate your hearing. The audiologist will determine the type and degree of hearing loss you are experiencing in addition to whether or not you can be helped by hearing aids and, if so, the best type of hearing aid for you. The audiologist will recommend a treatment program to assist you with your communication needs and, if indicated, may recommend other medical evaluations.
- Otolaryngologist (ENT): (oh/toe/lair/in/goll/oh/gist): is a physician trained in the surgical and medical management and treatment of the ear, nose, throat, along with related structures of the head and neck.
- Hearing instrument specialist: is a professional certified by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (BC-HIS) and licensed in all states. This specialist does an assessment, then fits and dispenses hearing aids and gives instruction in the use and care of hearing aids and other related devices.
Diagnosing Hearing Loss
Hearing health professionals will diagnose hearing loss based on a person’s behavior, family history and the results of a hearing test. Tests to evaluate hearing loss may include a physical screening test, audiometer tests, and tuning fork tests.
Take a Step Toward Better Hearing
When you notice you are having trouble understanding, communicating, or find yourself frequently confused or avoiding social situations, contact us at Pacific Hearing Care for a complete hearing test. You don’t need to suffer in silence. With seven convenient locations across the islands, Pacific Hearing Care is here to support you!