Don’t Put Off Addressing Hearing Loss

My Hearing Loss Isn’t That Bad. Can’t I Wait To Get Hearing Aids?

Hearing loss typically progresses gradually over many years. In the beginning stages of hearing loss, you may be able to compensate for it and feel that you don’t need any help. Research shows the average person experiencing hearing loss won’t address it for seven to 10 years after onset. But even the mildest hearing loss, if left untreated, can be devastating to your health. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline/dementia. Those who wait risk social isolation, depression, anxiety, and paranoia. It’s recommended that you address hearing loss before your quality of life begins to be negatively impacted.

What Should I Do If I Have Ringing In My Ears?

Over 50 million Americans suffer with ringing in the ears or “tinnitus”. Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no actual external noise is present and can manifest itself as ringing, hissing, whistling, swooshing, clicking, and buzzing. There are many causes, but it’s most commonly a symptom of sensorineural hearing loss. It’s recommended that you consult an audiologist for a comprehensive evaluation to determine the best treatment options.

What’s Your Opinion Of The New Over-The-Counter (Otc) Hearing Aids?

We believe hearing loss is best treated by audiologists with prescription-fit hearing aids. Audiologists perform comprehensive testing to determine the preferred treatment plan to medically manage your hearing loss, including adjusting the prescription in your hearing aids as necessary throughout your journey with them. Dr. Brent Joe and Kerri Dakin, our Flower Mound audiologists, have advanced degrees in hearing healthcare and the experience necessary to properly diagnose and treat your hearing loss. At Calvert Hearing Care, we even offer low-cost options for just a few hundred dollars more than OTC hearing aids.

Is There Any New Technology That’s Been A Game-Changer For Hearing-Aid Wearers?

Hearing technology has changed dramatically over the past 20 years, as has our understanding of the brain’s critical role in hearing. Today’s most advanced technology gives the brain increased access to speech and environmental sounds through greater noise reduction, expanded bandwidths, and adaptive environmental settings. The brain makes sense of the sounds allowing you to focus on what’s important and hear clearly and naturally. Additionally, most hearing devices now have Bluetooth connectivity so you can sync your hearing aids to your TV, computer, smartphone, iPad, and other electronic devices.

Are There Things I Can Do To Avoid Hearing Damage?

The best thing you can do to protect your hearing sensitivity is to wear hearing protection devices when exposed to excessive sound levels. This may include hunting, use of power tools and lawn equipment, concerts, and even the use of earphones/headphones. Exposure to excessive sound levels can permanently damage your hearing and cause tinnitus. Once the damage is done to the tiny hair cells of the inner ear, it cannot be reversed.