Hearing Loss: When To Get It Checked

Did you hear the one about the woman who gently patted her husband's hand and said, "Dear, I've been suggesting for some time that you have your hearing checked, and you've simply ignored me. I know it isn't easy..." Her husband looked at her and shouted, "WHAT?!?"

For some people, acknowledging a hearing loss is a difficult admission. But there are some suggested guidelines.

It's time to see a licensed hearing professional when...

• You experience muffled hearing.
• You can't distinguish specific words when someone is speaking, especially when there are competing voices or noises in the background.
• A higher volume is required on the television, radio or MP3 player than in the past.
• You avoid conversation and social interaction for fear of lack of hearing.
• You experience vertigo in conjunction with hearing loss.
• People get annoyed with you because you misunderstand conversations.
• You are concerned about missing a phone call or doorbell.
• You get confused about where sounds come from.

"It's not always easy for patients to admit that they have a hearing loss," noted Dr. Mary Bohr, Director of Audiology for McGuire's Hearing Services. "Some patients feel that they can compensate for this limitation without hearing devices, but it's not really possible. Hearing loss simply gets worse with time," she added.

"The bright side is that we now have access to dozens of hearing aid styles, sizes and colors. This assortment allows self-conscious patients to wear hearing devices that can barely be detected, and are customized based on a patient's specific needs," she observed.

The technology of hearing devices has improved significantly in the past few years, and manufacturers report the use of digital devices and components that are approaching nano-sized elements.

"Once patients realize the advanced technology and the variety of devices suited to their lifestyles, they are much better about wearing a hearing instrument," Dr. Bohr concluded.