Hearing loss often develops gradually, and some men and women may ignore the initial symptoms. It’s important to know how to recognize the signs of hearing loss and schedule an evaluation to determine if additional tests are needed. In Anchorage, Alaska, our audiology specialists at ACENT encourage both children and adults to undergo routine hearing tests to ensure they get appropriate care.
In this post, we’ll describe the signs of hearing loss and the treatment options available if you’re experiencing a loss of hearing.
Notice Signs of Hearing Loss
Sometimes it can be difficult to recognize the early signs that you’re experiencing hearing loss. You may be turning the volume up a bit while watching television or asking people to repeat themselves more often. Muffled sounds, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and feeling somewhat drained after attending social events are all other signals that may point to hearing loss.
Even people who notice these signs, however, may put off making an appointment with an audiologist because of the social stigma that remains associated with hearing loss — especially for younger adults. But scheduling a hearing test as soon as possible is important, which brings us to the next step.
Schedule a Hearing Evaluation
Our audiology specialists conduct routine hearing evaluations for patients of all ages, including children, adults, and the elderly. These quick and cost-effective evaluations can detect possible hearing issues, which may lead to additional tests to determine the specific type and extent of hearing loss. The additional hearing evaluations include:
- Speech audiometry
- Impedance tympanometry
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAE)
Based on the results of the tests administered, our specialists will discuss treatment options and the possibility of getting fitted for hearing aids.
Hearing Aid Fitting and Programming
Technological advances made in recent years have revolutionized hearing aids. Digital hearing aids, which now represent the vast majority of devices used, can selectively amplify sounds and be re-programmed as a patient’s hearing changes. Once patients are fitted for hearing aids, our audiology providers instruct them on how to use and adjust them, offer some tips about having conversations while wearing the devices, and demonstrate how to clean and care for them.