Can't Hear? Here's What You Need To Know About Hearing Aid Evaluation
Hearing loss is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. While it can occur at any age, it is more common in older adults. If you have difficulty hearing, don't assume you can solve everything by purchasing an over-the-counter hearing aid. You need a thorough hearing evaluation by an audiologist. Here's what you need to know.
Is It Normal to Lose Hearing?
Age-related hearing loss affects about a third of adults over 65 years. This loss is because the tiny hairs in the inner ear, which are responsible for converting sound into electrical signals, deteriorate over time. However, you need a hearing evaluation to determine the exact cause and how to improve your hearing. In fact, it is not uncommon for a patient who schedules an appointment for a hearing aid evaluation to have a build-up of impacted wax instead. Once the wax is removed, their hearing is restored.
What Causes Hearing Loss?
In addition to age-related hearing loss, there could be various other causes of hearing loss, including:
- Genetics
- Consistent exposure to loud noise
- Chronic infections
- Trauma to the head or ear
- Ototoxic medication, like chemotherapy drugs
- Medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- Sudden hearing loss
It's essential to identify the cause of your hearing loss during a hearing aid evaluation to ensure that you get the appropriate treatment.
What Is a Hearing Test?
A hearing test is a critical part of the hearing aid evaluation process. It is a non-invasive test that measures how well you hear various sounds and pitches, from quiet to loud, high pitched to low. A hearing test helps determine your level of hearing loss, the range of hearing affected, and the type of hearing loss you have.
The test involves wearing headphones and listening to soft tones at different frequencies. You will indicate when you hear a sound and in which ear. The results help your audiologist determine your hearing threshold and the characteristics of your hearing loss.
What Is Hearing Aid Evaluation?
A hearing aid evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that determines whether or not you are a good candidate for hearing aids. During a hearing aid evaluation, an audiologist will discuss your hearing loss, medical history, and lifestyle to determine the best type of hearing aid for your needs. Getting a hearing aid evaluation is essential because it allows you to:
- Obtain a detailed assessment of your hearing loss
- Learn the different types of hearing aids available
- Get expert advice on which hearing aid will work best for you
It is important to note that if your mental image of a hearing aid is a large, clunky device that sits on the outside of your ear, you will be pleasantly surprised with today's small hearing aids that can sit partially or completely in your ear canal, almost invisible to observers.
If you're experiencing hearing difficulties, a hearing aid evaluation can make a world of difference. Schedule yours today at a company such as Audiology Services.
