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Q: What are the common signs of hearing loss?
A: Common signs include frequently asking people to repeat themselves, difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments, and turning the volume of the television up.
Q: What causes hearing loss?
A: Hearing loss can be caused by many things. Trauma, noise exposure, medications, and the process of getting older, to name a few.
Q: How is hearing loss diagnosed?
A: A hearing test (audiogram) is performed by an audiologist. It includes pure tone testing, bone conduction testing, speech in quiet and in noise tests, and tests for middle ear function.
Q: Who should get a hearing test?
A: Anyone over the age of 50 should have a baseline hearing test. Physicians often encourage their patient to get vision screenings, dermatology, colonoscopies, and mammograms, but often overlook this important part of our anatomy!
Q: Why is it so important to get your hearing tested?
A: There are many reasons it is important to get your hearing tested. An increased risk of cognitive decline, memory issues, an increased risk of falling, listening fatigue, and social isolation and withdrawal are just a few of the consequences of untreated hearing loss.
Q: How can I find a qualified hearing health care provider?
A: It’s so important to find a great provider that you can trust. Look for a licensed audiologist or provider and ask about their credentials. Finding a practice with great reviews in your area is also a great way to find a provider. It is very important that you choose a provider that offers several different hearing instrument manufacturers; there should never be a “cookie cutter” approach to treating hearing loss.
Q: Are hearing aids the only treatment for hearing loss?
A: No. Treatment depends on the type and severity of hearing loss. For many individuals with a hearing loss, hearing aids are a great option. However, some patients may be cochlear implant candidates and others with a conductive hearing loss may need other medical intervention. Our audiologist can determine the origin of the hearing loss and refer you to a physician if necessary.
Q: Is there any advantage to addressing a hearing loss sooner than later?
A: As with any health condition, the sooner you address it, the better the outcome. The longer you deprive your brain of hearing normally, the more difficult it is to correct. If you don’t use it, you lose it!
Carson Hearing Care
Robin Carson, Au.D.
5104 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Fort Worth 76107
817.737.4327
carsonhearing.com
