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Did you know that March 3rd is World Hearing Day? A global campaign organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), World Hearing Day is a call to prioritize your hearing health. This year’s theme is: Ear and Hearing Care for All which emphasizes the importance of accessing hearing healthcare.
You can participate in World Hearing Day by scheduling an appointment for a hearing test which is the first step towards protecting your hearing health and wellness!
How do I know if I have hearing loss?
Nearly 1 in 5 people have some degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss typically occurs gradually so symptoms can remain unnoticed for quite some time. To identify hearing challenges you may be experiencing, it may be helpful to ask yourself the following questions:
- Does it sound like sounds and speech are muffled or distorted?
- Do I struggle to hear in places like restaurants?
- Am I having trouble keeping up with the conversation?
- Do I ask others to repeat themselves or speak louder?
- Am I lip reading to help identify words and what others are saying?
- Do I often say “huh” or “what” when responding to others?
- Do my loved ones know that I have hearing challenges?
- Am I always turning up the volume on the TV?
- Is there a ringing or buzzing noise in my ears?
If the answer is yes to any of these questions, you could be experiencing hearing loss. These symptoms often make it tough to hear and participate in conversations. To cope, people tend to avoid conversations altogether. This includes spending less time with loved ones, skipping out on social events and activities, and participating less in hobbies. If you find yourself withdrawing socially, this may be another sign that you are experiencing hearing loss.
What can I expect from a hearing test?
The first step you can take to address your hearing loss symptoms is getting your hearing evaluated. Conducted by a hearing healthcare specialist like an audiologist, hearing tests involve a painless process that measures your hearing capacities in both ears. There are a few types of hearing tests, the most common being pure tone audiometry testing. This test involves wearing headphones in a soundproof room or booth. Sounds at different pitches will be played and you will indicate which you are able to hear by raising your hand or pressing a button. This identifies the softest sounds are able to hear and the sounds that are more challenging for you to detect and process. This identifies the degree of impairment in each ear and establishes your hearing needs. Your hearing healthcare provider is then able to tailor treatment to meet those needs.
How is hearing loss treated?
Hearing aids are the most common treatment for hearing loss. These are electronic devices that are equipped with innovative technology designed to absorb, amplogy, and process speech and sound. This provides the ears and brain with ample support, making it easier to hear. Hearing aids also alleviate symptoms which further maximize one’s hearing capacity. A common misconception about hearing aids is that they are outdated devices. Today’s hearing aids are sleeker and savvier than ever before. Featuring award winning designs and a number of cutting edge technologies, hearing aids seamlessly integrate into everyday life adn support hearing needs. There is a wide range of hearing aid options that come in different styles and offer varying features as well as technologies. Your hearing healthcare provider will help you navigate your options and recommend hearing aids that will optimally support your hearing and lifestyle needs.
Schedule a Hearing Test for World Hearing Day
You can celebrate World Hearing Day by scheduling an appointment for a hearing test. This March is a great reminder to prioritize your hearing health. Treating hearing loss offers countless life-changing benefits that transform quality of life. This includes strengthening communication, improving relationships, encircling social life, and boosting overall health and wellness. Treatment allows people to live full and active lives that they can be present in. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a hearing consultation, we look forward to supporting you on this journey towards healthy hearing!