subject: The Hearing Test Does Not Always Mean You Need A Device [print this page] One of the common misconceptions that people have is that if they do not do well on a hearing test that they need to have a device. An assisted hearing device is necessary in many situations especially if the loss is moderate to severe, but that is not always the case. This screening looks at all potential causes for your loss, which may or may not have anything to do with permanent damage. In many situations, your doctor will have options for treating your condition right away and giving you back some of the ability to hear.
Why Is It Happening?
One of the biggest questions that your doctor needs to answer when conducting a hearing test is about the cause of the loss you have. Why is this happening? In some cases, the nerve endings on your eardrum are damaged and cannot transmit clear messages to the brain about the sounds you hear. That is one of the potential causes of loss. In other cases, you may have a significant buildup of wax on the eardrum. This is out of reach of any cleaning you can do and takes a doctor to remove it. That could improve your ability to hear, too.
When You need Aids
There are situations in which you will need to use a device to improve your ability to hear. However, this should not be viewed as a bad thing. In fact, many of today's devices will fit deep within the ear canal and are so small they are very hard to see. More importantly, though, they can boost your ability to hear and do the things you like to do significantly. Getting back your quality of life could be far more important than the presence of the device in your ear.
Maybe Nothing
Keep in mind that in many situations, you will not have damage or not have enough damage to warrant the doctor to do anything to improve your ability to hear. Even if you think you have symptoms of loss, it may not be the case. Your doctor may not think your condition warrants the use of devices. In other words, you could have nothing to worry about at all.
If you have a hearing test, be sure to talk to your doctor about your condition. Fully understand what is happening, the extent of damage and the treatment options available to you. You may just need to switch the medications you are taking to those that do not affect hearing loss. You may need to have earwax removed. On the other hand, you may need a device that can make sounds easier for you to hear.
