About Hearing Loss…
Like many disorders, hearing loss is best identified and treated early. Untreated hearing loss is an important health concern which can contribute to social isolation, depression, safety issues, reduced income and employment opportunities, reduced quality of life, and cognitive decline. Some of the early warning signs of hearing loss include:
- Words seem mumbled or unclear even though they can be heard
- Increasing requests for repetition
- Nodding and agreeing without really understanding what was said
- Difficulty hearing in groups or when there is background noise
- Turning up the TV more than other family members would like
- Family or friends commenting that you aren’t hearing well
- Hypersensitivity to loud sounds
- Ringing or buzzing sounds in one or both ears
- Difficulty telling where sounds are coming from
What to Do…
If you suspect you or a friend or family member has a hearing loss, it is important to have a full hearing assessment to identify any hearing loss or associated disorders, and to develop a treatment plan that meets your lifestyle and communicative needs.
What to Expect at a full Hearing Assessment…
A full hearing assessment, unlike a hearing screening which gives basic information on whether or not a hearing loss is present, gives our hearing professionals much more information about your hearing. This exam takes about an hour and includes:
- A review of your general and hearing health history, and your specific concerns
- A visual inspection of your ear canals and ear drums
- A test to determine the softest sounds you can hear at many different pitches
- A test to determine the volume where sounds become too loud for you
- Tests of how you understand speech in both quiet and background noise
- An assessment of your middle ear function
To determine the most suitable solutions for your hearing concerns, a full hearing evaluation is essential. The goals of the assessment are to give us information regarding:
- The type and degree of any hearing loss
- Whether medical intervention is warranted
- The most suitable treatment options
Following your assessment, your results will be reviewed with you, along with our recommendations for treatment. You are welcome to ask questions any time during this process and to bring a friend or family member to your appointment.
Solutions available to address hearing needs…
Following your assessment, solutions to address your hearing needs will be discussed with you. These may include one or more of the following:
- The latest technology in hearing aids in a variety of styles from leading hearing aid manufacturers, and all associated support and services
- Assistive listening devices, including Bluetooth capable devices
- Alerting devices for things such as alarm clocks, smoke detectors, doorbell, etc.
- Tinnitus masking devices and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, if required
- Treatment for Decreased Sound Tolerance, if required
- Treatment for Central Auditory Processing Disorders, if required
- Various forms of hearing protection
- Swim and sleep ear plugs
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