Hearing Test
“When you lose your vision, you lose contact with things. When you lose your hearing, you lose contact with people.” -Helen Keller
Hearing Loss? That’s the Question
The problem is loss of hearing which afflicts over 30 million Americans of all ages. Hearing loss can range from being very mild in nature, resulting in rarely hearing faint, high-pitched sounds or voices, to impairment that is so severe, very loud noises may go completely undetected.
Early Detection and Intervention
As with most other health problems, early detection allows for more effective intervention. In some cases, hearing loss is medically treatable and may be improved. In cases where the hearing loss is permanent, hearing aids are a form of treatment that allow for compensation of the hearing loss. Early detection and intervention also offers a means of support for both the hearing impaired person and their family with the social and mental burdens often associated with hearing loss.
Take This Simple Test
Hearing Loss differs from most other afflictions in at least one important way. It is seldom characterized by pain or physical discomfort. If it were, hearing loss would be obvious. However, because it is usually a gradual, stealthy process, it can easily develop into a significant handicap before it commands attention.
You can help yourself by being aware of these warning signs:
1. You can hear, however you have difficulty understanding ordinary and familiar sounds. It is as if they disappear. These include high-pitched sounds such as:
O Women’s and children’s voices OBird songs O Confusion among sounds of words such as: “dime,” “time,” “bake,” “take”
2. Have difficulty understanding what is being said, unless you are directly facing the speaker.
3. Find yourself complaining that people are mumbling or slurring their words.
4. You continually ask people to repeat words and phrases, even though they feel they’re speaking loud enough.
5. Prefer the TV or radio louder than others do.
6. Have difficulty understanding conversation within a group of people.
7. Avoid group meetings, social occasions, public facilities, or family gatherings where listening may be difficult.
8. Have trouble hearing at the movies, house of worship, concert halls, or at other public gatherings — especially where sound sources are at a distance from the listener.
9. Have ringing in your ears or other head noises (hissing, buzzing, crickets, etc.) Tinnitus often accompanies hearing loss, however sometimes it may be the ear’s way of saying, “Ouch!”
If you answered “yes” to at least two of these questions, you may have a hearing loss and need to have your hearing tested. Call today to schedule a FREE hearing test.
