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 not hearing faint, high-pitched sounds or voices, to impairment that is so severe, very loud noises may not be detected.
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 not usually characterized by pain or physical discomfort. If it were, hearing loss would be obvious. But because it is usually a gradual, stealthy process, it can easily develop into a significant handicap before it commands attention. Unless, that is, one is aware of its other warning signs.
1. You can hear, but you can’t understand: Among the first sounds which “disappear” are those which are most high-pitched. These include
O Women’s and children’s voices OBird songs O Confusion among sounds of words such as: “dime,” “time,” “bake,” “take”
2. Have difficulty in 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. Are continually asking 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 the ears or other head noises (hissing, buzzing, crickets, etc.) Tinnitus often accompanies hearing loss, but not always, and as such, may be the ear’s way of saying, “Ouch!”
