Wednesday, April 30, 2003

Hearing spotlighted in May

The month of May is designated as "Better Speech and Hearing Month" and is recognized by hearing healthcare professionals and speech language pathologists in the United States. In honor of speech and hearing month the following is intended to provide some useful tips for hearing conservation or what to do should you or someone you know suffer with hearing loss.

Routine hearing evaluations are recommended annually for persons 65 years and older. Also, people who work in noise occupations should consider hearing screenings and the use of ear protection now to prevent hearing loss later. Noise exposure is the number one cause of hearing loss. There are many other reasons for hearing loss, and if you suspect you are having difficulties with your hearing, you are not alone, you should seek help from your doctor or a hearing health care professional.

Over 28 million people suffer with hearing loss. The most widely accepted treatment of sensorineural or "nerve" loss is with hearing instruments, but benefits vary with degree of hearing loss and longevity. This is why seeking help in the early stages of hearing loss is important.

If you or someone you know is having hearing difficulties, the first step is to admit there may be a problem. Denial of hearing loss is the number one reason people wait on average 5 to 7 years to seek help. A person can not hide or compensate easily for a hearing loss and it is often more obvious than a pair of hearing instruments. Chances are your friends and family already knows you are having trouble.

Call and arrange for a hearing evaluation with a qualified hearing health care professional. This exam is painless and quick and the audiologist can help identify if there is a medical problem or one that can be helped with hearing instruments and can make an appropriate recommendation.

If hearing instruments are recommended, the audiologist takes an impression of your ear and this serves as a model for a custom-built device. There are many different types of instruments ranging from completely-in-the-canal to behind-the-ear as well as analog and digital technologies and the audiologist can help you decide what is best for your needs.

Custom hearing instruments are ready in approximately 2 weeks. Your audiologist will assist in adjustments and discuss the rehabilitation process of better hearing. The longer you have had a hearing loss may mean a longer acclimation process. Regular use and a commitment to better hearing is key to success.

Routine hearing instrument service and annual evaluations are important to ensure you receive the maximum benefit. Just like having your car serviced, hearing instruments should be routinely checked and cleaned.

For more information about hearing loss and treatments available or to support Better Hearing Month, call for an appointment at Waits Hearing Aid Center, 770-461-0043, Clinical Audiology.