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Hearing loss occurs to most people as they age. Hearing loss can be due to aging, exposure to loud noise, medications, infections, head or ear trauma, congenital or hereditary factors, disease, and some other causes. The vast majority of hearing problems do not require medical or surgical intervention. Hearing instruments can correct 90 to 95 percent of all hearing loss cases.
There are roughly 31.5 million people in the U.S. (as of 2005) that have experienced hearing loss. Approximately one third of individuals over 75 years have experienced significant hearing loss, and 14 percent of all people 45 to 64 have demonstrable hearing loss. Hearing loss impacts one's quality of life and breaks down personal relationships. Those suffering from hearing loss can become isolated by their inability to effectively communicate. For these reasons it is important that someone experiencing hearing loss see a hearing specialist.
You may be experiencing the effects of hearing loss if...
- You can hear people speaking but strain to understand their words
- You frequently ask people to repeat what they just said
- You don't laugh at jokes because you missed the story or the punchline
- You frequently find yourself complaining that people mumble
- You ask others about details of a meeting you just attended
- Loved ones have commented on the volume you may listen to the radio or TV at
- You cannot hear the doorbell or telephone
- You find that when people look directly at you while speaking that it is easier to understand
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should visit one of Southwestern Hearing Centers for a free hearing test. It is not just a listening test, as you may have already completed at some time. This test allows the hearing instrument specialist to determine exactly how much hearing loss is present. They can determine how well you understand speech and how well you can hear it in both silent and noisy environments. The H.I.S. also learns about your case history and performs a visual assessment of the ear canal and eardrum.
To schedule a free hearing test with Southwestern Hearing Centers please call 1-888-639-8665. |
