More than 28 million Americans Ð about 10% of the population Ð suffer from hearing loss. Approximately 95% of these individuals can correct the problem with hearing aids. The American Academy of Audiology, which represents over 7,600 audiologists, supports National Better Hearing and Speech Month as a way to bring this important information to the general public.

What You Should Know About Hearing Loss

Hearing loss usually develops slowly, often worsens with age and is generally permanent. Most hearing difficulties can be helped by individually selected, prescribed and fitted hearing aids.

It is important to first determine whether or not you might have a hearing impairment. Do you find it difficult to follow a conversation in a noisy restaurant or crowded room? Do you feel people are mumbling when they speak? Do you find yourself asking people to speak up or repeat themselves? If you answered yes, you may need to have your hearing tested by an audiologist.

Why You May Be Unaware of the Problem

It is typical for individuals with a mild to moderate hearing loss to be unaware of their problem, even though family and friends are quite aware of it.

Hearing loss is invisible and almost always painless. There are no physical warning signs, except in some cases there may be ringing in the ear(s). But, the real reason hearing loss “sneaks” up on you is that the change is so gradual. Most hearing losses develop over a period of 25 to 30 years. By age 50 or 60, there can be enough deterioration to interfere with conversation.

Most audiologists believe that hearing loss in older adults is the accumulation of two or more causes, such as exposure to loud noises and family history, or simply the natural aging process.

Hearing loss can interfere with the quality of life you’ve hoped for. It can restrict your ability to interact with others, prevent you from hearing important information, cause misunderstandings, heighten stress, cause unnecessary fatigue and filter out the subtle sounds of nature. Don’t let poor hearing make you miss out on the many good and vital messages of life.

What You Should Know About Hearing Loss

Your doctor may recommend a complete hearing evaluation by a hearing professional, such as an audiologist. If the audiologist recommends a hearing aid for you, he or she will take into consideration your lifestyle and personal goals and guide you to the most suitable hearing aid.

Health Benefits From Hearing Aids

Hearing aid users report higher levels of involvement in social activities, fewer worries and more positive social and family experiences than those who have uncorrected hearing loss.

Who Can Be Helped?

Patients with “nerve deafness” and high-frequency hearing loss can benefit from the use of hearing aids in most cases. One is never too old to start using hearing aids. Today, over 95% of patients with hearing loss can successfully wear hearing aids.

Hearing Aid Styles

Completely in the Canal (CIC)

In the Canal (ITC)

In the Ear (ITE)

Behind the Ear (BTE)

Hearing aids come in a wide range of sizes and styles, including completely in the canal (CIC), in the canal (ITC), in the ear (ITE) or behind the era (BTE). The type of hearing aid recommended depends on your individual needs.

Hearing Aid Technology

Today’s technology provides significant advances over older conventional hearing aids. With the advent of modern computer software, we now have a vast selection of programmable hearing aids using digital processing and directional microphones for better hearing in many listening situations.

Two Hearing Aids or One?

The need for one hearing aid or two should be determined by you and your audiologist. For most people with hearing loss, binaural amplification offers substantial improvement under both quiet and noisy conditions, along with a better sense of direction for locating the sound source.

Realistic Expectations

Understand the role of hearing aids. Just as eyeglasses do not “cure” vision deficiencies, hearing aids do not solve all hearing problems. But hearing aids can provide an important difference in your life and the lives of your family members.

Aural Rehabilitation

Audiologists provide additional services and procedures for lessening or compensating for hearing impairment. Various approaches involve auditory training, speech reading and helping to improve listening skills with assistive devices.

For more information please contact:

Peninsula Hearing Services

105 Shady Lane, Soldotna

262-3224