In the U.S., hearing loss is more common than you might think, and the early warning signs can be subtle enough to ignore. However, if it’s been a long time, and your hearing issues haven’t been addressed, they can become more serious. On the other hand, age-related hearing loss may seem almost natural, and attaining the best hearing aid options can solve the problem. As it’s always better to be on the safe side, here are a few common hearing problems and when it may be time to have your hearing checked by a licensed audiologist.
Common Hearing Loss Issues
In many cases, hearing issues can be an inherited trait, especially if one or more of your family members suffered from them gradually. For the more common causes, modern hearing aids can often do the trick. However, there are more severe cases that could involve treatment, or even surgery, such as a cochlear implant. For example, tinnitus is fairly common, and it’s noticeable from a consistent ringing in your ears. Additionally, M√©ni√®re’s Disease is also characterized by a ringing, but it’s often accompanied by dizziness. As an inner ear problem, it usually will affect people between the ages of 30 and 50. If you notice both symptoms, it’s highly recommended that you see a physician, as the severe hearing loss can become permanent deafness in seniors.
Another cause of profound hearing loss is Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease, which is an instance where the body attacks itself. In this case, hearing loss can occur fast, so seeing a doctor right away is crucial. Certain medications have also been attributed to hearing impairments, such as loop diuretics, aminoglycoside antibiotics, and some chemotherapy drugs.
Before you panic, keep in mind that there are simpler causes for hearing issues, and there are many remedies available to help. Extremely loud noises or head injuries may cause temporary hearing problems (such as a damaged or ruptured eardrum), and in many cases, full capabilities can return. If not, modern hearing aids now offer better performance, quality sound, and affordable options.
Modern Hearing Loss Solutions
If you decide to visit a specialist for your recent hearing loss, they’re most likely to ask you some basics questions before your hearing test. For example, have you first noticed an issue in clarity in a noisy environment or lost the ability to make out background noise? An audiologist will also inquire if you’ve stopped hearing the sounds when you test the appliances around your home or the volume of your television. If you answer yes to any of these, you may first be recommended a hearing aid, which is a common solution for many hearing loss problems.
For your own peace of mind, you’ll want to ask your audiologist for the best rated hearing aids and the cost of hearing aids. While most traditional hearing aids are efficient, the full price can depend on a number of technical factors and advanced features and electronic performance, such as the amplification abilities, Bluetooth capability, and whether the type of hearing aid allows you to recharge batteries for longer battery life (a true industry standard). In those instances, you may need to purchase accessories or extra features, such as an additional charger or smartphone app. For many people, insurance or Medicare will cover hearing aid prices, but that also is dictated by your hearing aid preferences.
Different situations call for different solutions. Depending upon the level of hearing loss and the need for a clear sound and sound quality, many sleek hearing aids come in different sizes for the wearer and are no bigger than earbuds. However, the price range can be steep. New technology with many new hearing aids is wireless connectivity, such as Bluetooth, allowing for additional noise reduction. If this is your first hearing aid, many companies will offer an extended warranty at a lower price or at no additional cost, as well as a trial period to see if the type of hearing aid is best for you. Always check with customer support for those options. The most important factor is your comfort and success at attaining better hearing.
