subject: Warning Signs That May Indicate The Need For A Hearing Aid [print this page] Sometimes those suffering hearing loss don't really realize it. Sometimes you may have a trauma or injury that you can attribute the loss to, other times you may have a degenerative condition. In fact, as you age it is common to lose your ability to hear. If your problem is not because of a traumatic event you may not notice symptoms or act on them for up to seven years. In adults the first thing considered is often hearing loss due to aging. Some types of loss can be helped by the use of a hearing aid, or perhaps surgery.
Some common signs of hearing loss include, Muffled hearing, or an inability to make sense of the words you hear, this may be most common when background noise is present. Another sign might be when others tell you that you speak loudly or that the television is loud. More troubling signs might be a buzzing or hissing in the ear or itching and pain.
Tinnitus can be particularly annoying for those afflicted. Patients complain that the buzzing is worse in a quiet environment. The patient is the only person who can hear the buzzing. Often treatment consists of background noise. Another treatment may be to discontinue use of prescription and over the counter drugs that cause ringing in the ears. Another suggested treatment is looking for other problems that cause tinnitus such as brain tumor, anemia, and high blood pressure. If none of these health conditions are your cause you may be left with merely managing it.
If your hearing loss cannot be addressed by surgery or identifying another health condition you may be able to amplify sound with a hearing aid. This device amplifies sound, but does not repair your hearing. There are many devices available for you to choose from. They vary in price wildly. It will be best to work closely with your audiologist as there are many types that offer varying features. Smaller models may be more discreet, but they may not be for your level of hearing loss. You may also find that some of the larger models offer features that would make your life easier.
Your sense of hearing adds so much to your life. The sound of the birds on your early morning walk can be something that you will hear again. You just need to adjust to the idea that if your hearing is amplified it will not sound the same as it once did. Adjusting to a hearing aid can take months. You and your audiologist can decide what devices fit your needs together. Be sure to ask about warranties, and if there is any trial period.
