Hearing Healthy
With today's high noise levels, hearing protection is the best way to keep your hearing from getting worse. Whether you work in a noisy environment, use power tools at home, need protection from wind noise while motorcycling, or do any hunting or shooting, we recommend hearing protection to prevent further hearing loss. Protect your hearing now, because once its gone, you can't get it back!
Hearing Loss Symptoms
Because hearing loss often occurs gradually, it may go undetected for a long period of time. Listed below are some questions relating to common symptoms of hearing loss. If you answer "yes" to one or more of them, you should have your hearing tested.
- Do you frequently ask people to repeat themselves
- Is there a ringing or buzzing in your ear
- Do you complain that everyone around you is mumbling
- Do you have difficulty understanding conversations in noisy places
- Is it difficult to understand telephone conversations
- Do you often misunderstand what people are saying
What are Common Side Effects of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss affects every area of life. Relationships, work, recreation, economics. As a result, the psychological, emotional, and social impact can be great and should be a serious consideration when deciding whether to seek treatment. Consider the following.
People experiencing mild to severe hearing loss are more likely to report feelings of:
- Sadness and depression caused by isolation from others
- Stress and anxiety (especially from family and co-workers)
- Loneliness due to avoiding social functions
- Frustration resulting from difficulty understanding speech
However, those being treated for hearing loss experience healthy benefits including:
- Better relationships with family and friends
- A heightened sense of self esteem
- Improved mental health
- Greater independence and security
Could My Hearing Loss Be A Symptom Of Something Else?
Yes. Sudden hearing loss, defined as rapidly decreasing hearing within 90 days, either alone or accompanied by pain and/or drainage in one or both ears, dizziness, or a feeling of fullness could be a symptom of a deeper medical condition. In cases such as this we recommend you consult your primary physician and we may refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist.