News & Press
Making The SOUND Decision
11/16/2007 in news
Have you noticed your hearing is somehow ‘off’? Are your loved ones getting a bit frustrated when they try to talk to you, or even just get your attention?
Loss of hearing acuity can begin as early as age 25 – moving parts wear out-and the process is slow and ongoing. In fact, the process can occur so gradually that by the time we’re aware of a hearing loss, those attempting to communicate with us have already been frustrated for years. Hearing Loss is an invisible problem, and can be easily misinterpreted as lack of attention. Therefore, the right time to begin having your hearing evaluated is any time the suspicion first arises that hearing is somehow off, whether that suspicion is your own, or someone else’s. If no suspicion of hearing loss has surfaced, age 40 is a good time to start, followed by repeated evaluations every 2 years. This allows you the opportunity to monitor the progression of hearing loss (if any), and to develop a relationship with your Physician and Audiologist&hellip,so if, and when, the time comes for amplification use, trust has been established and you are ready to accept recommendations with less stigma than currently exists.
“Even a mild hearing loss can drive the most active person to retreat into their own world – feeling flawed, vulnerable and disconnected from family and friends.”
Hearing Aids have been perceived, in the past, as being un-fashionable, a statement of being old and flawed. Today, several manufacturers produce new unobtrusive, behind-the-ear hearing aids called “Open – Fit” Technology. These devices prevent the “bottled in” feeling of hearing aids of old, because this technology allows most of the ear canal to remain open. The new design is appealing to those who are normally hesitant to seek help, due to the smallness of the device and its ability to appear more like another wireless headset than hearing aid. Because let’s face it, while people don’t think twice about getting eyeglasses, hearing aids are a different story&hellip,but they shouldn’t be.
Take this quick test and check your ability to hear properly:
(Hearing test provided byOticon)
- Do people seem to mumble or speak in a softer voice than they used to?
- Do you feel tired or irritable after a long conversation?
- Do you sometimes miss key words in a sentence or frequently need to ask people to repeat themselves?
- When you are in a group or in a crowded restaurant, is it difficult for you to follow the conversation?
- When you are together with other people, does background noise bother you?
- Do you often need to turn up the volume on your TV or radio?
- Do you find it difficult to hear the doorbell or the telephone ring?
- Is carrying on a telephone conversation difficult?
- Do you find it difficult to pinpoint where an object is (e.g. an alarm clock or a telephone) from the noise it makes?
- Has someone close to you mentioned that you might have a problem with your hearing?
Your answers to these questions only provide an early indication of whether your hearing is impaired or not. If you answered “yes” to just 1 of these questions you may not need assistance. If you answered “yes” to 2 or more of these questions, you may be experiencing some hearing loss. If you answered “yes” to 3 or more of these questions, you should call your physician and ask for a hearing screening.
Millions and millions of Americans face some sort of hearing loss, especially as they get older. But with so many advancements now available in the hearing amplification field, there is just no reason to not help yourself hear better. And the first step is a simple one&hellip,just call your Physician for an appointment. It’ll not only improve your hearing, it’s likely to improve the overall quality of your life.
Dr. Rosenberg sees patients at his White Plains office, (914) 949-3888. For more information about ENT and Allergy Associates, please visit www.entandallergy.com.
by Richard Rosenberg, MD, FACS– ENT and Allergy Associates, LLP
Source: The White Plains Times – wptimes.com