A Sound Investment In Your Hearing Health and Wellbeing
When Should I See an Audiologist?
The American Academy of Audiology recommends completing a hearing evaluation at age 50. You should see an audiologist if you experience any persistent or recurring hearing difficulties, including ringing in the ears (tinnitus), difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments, or if you need to significantly increase the volume of devices like the TV. Additionally, if you are exposed to loud noises regularly, or if you have a family history of hearing loss, it's wise to consult an audiologist for a hearing evaluation.
Signs That You Need a Hearing & Cognitive Assessment
Treatment at this early stage may not even be necessary. However, it is especially important to schedule a consultation if you notice any of the following conditions:
- Difficulty hearing in noise
- Ringing, buzzing, chirping, or noise in your ears
- Trouble understanding when two more people are speaking at once
- Difficulty deciphering when people are speaking quickly
- Not remembering what was said during a conversation
- Difficulty hearing women or grandchildren
- Sudden loss of hearing
- Uneven hearing in your two ears
- Socially isolating behaviors
Why Prevention & Early Treatment
Hearing loss, whatever the cause may be, can be effectively treated. The fact is, as we age, our chances of developing these conditions increase dramatically. Just another "perk" of aging. Nearly half of the population between the age of 60-70 years young experience hearing loss and/or tinnitus, and the numbers only increase from there!
Unfortunately, “age-related hearing loss” (known as presbycusis) is thought to be embedded in our mammalian genetics – making it inevitable for most of us. Factor in noise exposure from your younger years (concerts, work, landscaping, etc.), or other medical conditions (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.) and you have a recipe for disaster.
Your first step is to simply arrange a consultation with our audiologist. The education, guidance, and treatment you receive today may help save you from years of frustration, embarrassment, and possibly more devastating medical conditions later. When it comes to your hearing and cognitive healthcare, early detection is the key to preventing future problems!
Some potential early interventions may include:
- Hearing protection
- Auditory brain training exercises
- App based indirect treatment of tinnitus perception
Recent medical research by the European Dementia Commission shows that the early treatment of hearing loss is the #1 most modifiable risk factor for the prevention of cognitive decline. For more information on this research, click the link below.
DID YOU KNOW...
45% of dementia cases are considered preventable. You read that right, nearly half of dementia cases could have been prevented if medical condition were treated and better lifestyle choices were made.
What Is the Benefit of Early Treatment?
While patients don’t need to rush into purchasing traditional hearing aid amplifiers, some hearing and brain health issues can be minimized or avoided with early detection and treatment, including:
- Social isolation
- Depression
- Lowering the risk of falls
- Perception of tinnitus
- Progression of the hearing loss
- Degeneration of the auditory nerve & neural pathways
- Brain atrophy due to lack of stimulation of the auditory nerve
- Cognitive overload & strain on the brain
- Deterioration of quality of life