Having Trouble with your Hearing?
Direct scheduling is now available for appointments with Audiology
Are you noticing that you turn the television volume up higher than you used to? Do you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves in conversation? Does it seem like people “mumble” or speak less clearly these days? These are all signs of possible hearing loss, and if you’re concerned about things like this, it would be a great time to have your hearing checked.
Hearing loss is very common among the veteran population due in part to the high noise levels encountered on active duty. With hearing loss, there's generally no physical pain and in most cases the onset is very gradual, so it's often hard to detect. Hearing loss can affect your ability to communicate and connect with others, which can significantly impact on your well-being.
If you have concerns about your hearing, or if your family or friends suggest that you seem to be missing things in conversations, it may be time to have your hearing checked. The hearing test is painless, and the audiologist can help to identify areas of concern, strategies for improving communication, and recommendations for equipment such as hearing aids.
Your hearing test will start with a discussion of your health history. You will be asked questions about exposure to noise, family history of hearing loss, history of ear infections or trauma, ringing in the ears, etc. Did you know that some health conditions can predispose you to hearing loss, or that some cancer treatments can impact your hearing? Your audiologist will ask for this type of information to help identify any risk factors that may exist.
The audiologist will also inquire about your lifestyle and situations where you have noticed possible hearing issues. For example, do you notice the most difficulty at home while watching television? Are you involved in meetings at work where you have trouble? Is your greatest issue in communicating over the phone? These questions will help the audiologist to get a feel for your lifestyle and allow them to identify those treatment options that will be most useful and effective for you.
For the exam itself, you will be in a sound-resistant quiet room. The test involves some measurements of your eardrums and sounds in your ear canals, where you will not have to provide a response at all but rather sit quietly while the measurements are collected. There are also some moments where you will have to concentrate and listen closely to respond to soft sounds or listen for speech among background noise. Since a good portion of the exam requires your concentration and active participation, it is important to arrive to the clinic well-rested and without distractions.
All of the results will be reviewed with you, and your audiologist will help you to decide on a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs and lifestyle. It’s also recommended that you bring a family member with whom you often communicate with, so that they can participate in the process.
The audiologist will discuss what you can expect from the various treatment options, and how to improve your overall communication. Our goal is for every patient and family member to leave the clinic having learned at least one strategy for improved communication. Sometimes this involves use of assisting devices such as hearing aids; sometimes it does not involve a device. Ultimately, you and the audiologist will decide together what treatment plan is best for you.
To schedule an appointment directly with audiology, call (858) 623-1891.
