Hearing | Signs of A Hearing Problem | Did you Know?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is a Doctor of Audiology?
A: A doctor of audiology is a professional who is trained to diagnose, manage and treat hearing and balance problems for individuals from birth to adulthood.
Q: What is Tinnitus?
A: Tinnitus is a noise originating within the ear or head rather than from an outside source. Alone, it is not a disorder but a symptom of an underlying condition. Tinnitus, pronounced /'tinitəs/, affects 1 out of 5 people and may indicate a need for further evaluation.
Q: Are Dizziness and Vertigo the Same?
A: Dizziness is often described as a feeling of light-headedness and instability that may result in poor balance. Vertigo has a characteristic sensation of “whirling or spinning motion” when one is stationery. Vertigo may be “induced” by specific posture changes or head movements,
may come in episodes lasting minutes to days and may be accompanied by nausea, difficulty standing or walking and could result in falls.
Q: Are all Hearing Aids the Same?
A: Hearing aids are recommended on an individual basis. Some aids are considered “daily wear” while others are “extended wear.” There are major differences in technology, price, style and performance. Visit our web site and click on the video tab at the bottom of the homepage for detailed information and product tutorials. For over 10 years, our patients tell us we are excellent at helping them select the product that matches their needs and improves their quality of life while staying within their budget.
What Is Hearing?
Hearing is an important part of our lives. It is essential for speech and language development in children and verbal communication throughout our lives. Hearing helps us stay aware of our surroundings.
Suggest an evaluation to someone you know. The first step is the biggest! Hearing loss is not typically sudden or painful and a loss gradually worsens over a period of years. Often, the individual doesn't recognize the symptoms of degraded hearing, while others around him or her certainly notice the communication breakdown. The first step is to complete a complementary hearing screening at one of our two state of the art offices. We offer product demonstrations to those interested and can best assist and discuss a client's needs and wants during this appointment. Many individuals leave our office wearing a new hearing device after the first visit and begin a no-obligation 45-day trial period (30 day trial with LYRIC®).
Click the link, auditory transduction to view an informative tutorial of the anatomy and physiology of the ear and hearing.
Five Symptoms To Look For:
1) Has anyone ever told you that you have hearing loss or need a hearing aid?
2) Were you exposed to prolonged periods of recreational, occupational or military noise?
3) Is there a history of hearing loss in your family?
4) Do you experience difficulty hearing or understanding speech in any of these situations:
- One-on-one conversations
- Television or radio
- Small Groups
- Hearing a doorbell or a telephone ring
- Restaurants, parties, or crowds
- In the car
- Religious Services
- Hearing or understanding on the telephone
5) Do you experience ringing or noises in your ears?
If you answered yes to any of the preceding questions, call us to make an appointment for your comprehensive diagnostic hearing or tinnitus evaluation.
DID YOU KNOW?
Studies in the USA have concluded that 10% of the population, over 35 million individuals, have some degree of hearing loss. The prevalence of hearing loss increases as a function of age, with 37% of those with a loss being over the age of retirement. Untreated hearing loss negatively affects household income on-average up to $12,000 per year, depending on the degree loss. Likewise, many people with hearing loss also have tinnitus that can further increase the stress and frustration associated with the disorder. The good news is, The World Health Organization confirms that properly fitted hearing instruments can improve communication in at least 90% of people with hearing loss, even though the condition is otherwise irreversible. Come visit us and see for yourself how sound hearing can significantly improve the quality of you life!
Incidence of Hearing Loss:
- 3 in 10 people over age 60 have hearing loss;
- 1 in 6 baby boomers (ages 41-59), or 14.6%, have a hearing problem;
- 1 in 14 Generation Xers (ages 29-40), or 7.4%, already have hearing loss;
- At least 1.4 million children (18 or younger) have hearing problems;
- It is estimated that 3 in 1,000 infants are born with serious to profound hearing loss
