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.

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