Is it Time to Consider Hearing Aids?

Hearing loss is something we can struggle with. Noticing that your hearing is changing over time can be quite worrying. For the vast majority of people, the changes in our hearing are gradual and can go unnoticed. But when you discover that your hearing is not what it used to be, usually due to someone else pointing it out, you should consider seeking diagnosis and treatment. This could mean getting a hearing aid. What are the signs of hearing loss, and what should we do about it?

Identify the signs

It’s not something that we would know this unless it happened out of the blue, but we can all pay attention to the common signs of hearing loss. If you cannot hear clearly, or you misunderstand what someone has said to you, asking for it to be repeated can be a small signifier. Turning up the television or radio can be another common sign, especially if you are getting on in years. You also need to consider if you struggle to follow conversations in noisy surroundings more when it was easier before. For example, in social situations, where you struggle to hear someone speaking in front of you in a noisy environment, also known as cocktail party syndrome. If you have to concentrate more on people talking to you when there’s background noise, it’s time to act on this.

What you can do

If you suspect yourself of having hearing loss, you may choose to research more and gather as many questions as possible. There is plenty of information out there to help you decide on your next course of action. Some people decide to approach a hearing professional like an audiologist to get their hearing tested. And other people may react in a more emotional manner. Discovering that your hearing is deteriorating can make you wonder how it will affect your life, as well as your family and social circumstances. But the fact is there are hearing aids now that are so sophisticated and discreet; it can be a very beneficial addition to your life.

What happens next?

If you decide to take the next course of action, you may choose to take an online hearing screening. While online hearing tests are not a replacement for a full one undertaken by a professional, this can give you a good idea of how your hearing has deteriorated. The best approach would be to arrange an appointment for a hearing test undertaken by a qualified audiologist. There are numerous components to the hearing test, which aim to give an overall picture of your hearing loss. Before this appointment, it is worth having a mental checklist of symptoms, making a note of any medication you take and by asking those closest to you when they first noticed you’re hearing getting worse. When the audiologist has performed the various tests and has been able to paint a complete picture, they can recommend the next course of action, which could involve a hearing aid.

Choosing the right hearing aid

The right hearing aid is dependent on your needs. For example, if you watch television a lot, you can get a hearing aid that has Bluetooth compatibility, meaning that you can hear the volume on any device sufficiently. Or if you are very active, it’s best to choose a hearing aid that is more robust and able to cope with the rigors of your daily life. For example, if you go swimming, there are waterproof hearing aids out there that can benefit you. The right hearing aid can be a case of trial and error. Depending on the audiologist practice, as well as your budget, you could find the right one straight away or you might have to go and purchase a used hearing aid. Either way, if people have commented on your hearing as not being what it used to be, taking the appropriate steps is essential. This is not just so you can get the problem diagnosed, but that you can get the most out of the situation. It might be time to consider hearing aids, and if you already sent towards this, or you have any additional questions, you can get in contact with The Hearing and Tinnitus Center at (303) 534-0163 to learn more. Far from it being a bulky and frustrating device, a hearing aid is more compact and discreet than ever. It can enable you to go about your everyday business with ease.