Many people have questions when it comes to hearing health, from understanding hearing loss to learning about the latest treatment options. At AudiologyHQ we are dedicated to providing clear answers to help you feel confident in managing your hearing care. Whether you’re new to the world of audiology or seeking to deepen your understanding, we’re here to provide clear, expert answers to guide you to better hearing.
What is a Hearing Professional?
A hearing professional is someone trained to assess, diagnose and treat hearing loss. They have specialized knowledge and skills to help people manage hearing loss and find the right solutions, like hearing aids or other treatments. At AudiologyHQ, our hearing professionals are dedicated to helping you improve your hearing and overall quality of life.
How Do I Know If I Have Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss can develop slowly, making it hard to recognize right away. Some common signs include frequently asking others to repeat themselves, having trouble following conversations in noisy places or turning up the volume on the TV or radio louder than others prefer. You might also feel like people are mumbling or have difficulty hearing on the phone. Early detection can make a big difference in finding the right treatment.
What Causes Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss can be caused by several factors, like age-related changes, prolonged exposure to loud noises, certain medications, genetic predisposition, ear infections or other medical conditions, as well as head or ear trauma. Our hearing professionals can help identify the specific cause of your hearing loss and guide you toward the right treatment options
What Happens During a Hearing Test?
During a hearing test, you’ll first engage in a detailed discussion about your medical history and any hearing concerns you may have. Following this, your hearing professional will conduct a physical examination of your ears. The test includes pure-tone audiometry to measure your hearing threshold at various frequencies, speech recognition tests to evaluate your ability to understand words at different volumes and tympanometry to assess the function of your middle ear. Throughout the process, our hearing professionals will explain each step to ensure you feel comfortable and informed.
How Often Should I Have My Hearing Tested?
For adults with no apparent hearing issues, we recommend a baseline hearing test by age 50, followed by regular tests every three to five years. However, if you’re experiencing hearing difficulties, exposed to loud noises regularly or have a family history of hearing loss, more frequent tests may be necessary.
What Types of Hearing Aids Are Available?
Modern hearing aids come in a range of styles to meet different needs and preferences. These include behind the ear (BTE), receiver in canal (RIC), in the ear (ITE), in the canal (ITC), completely in canal (CIC) and invisible in canal (IIC) options. Each style has its own advantages, and our hearing professionals can help guide you in choosing the one that fits your lifestyle, the severity of your hearing loss and your personal preferences.
How Long Do Hearing Aids Typically Last?
With proper care and maintenance, hearing aids can last five to seven years on average. However, advancements in technology might make upgrading sooner beneficial for some individuals. We’ll guide you on when it’s time to consider new devices to ensure you’re always benefiting from the latest hearing aid innovations.
Can I Try Hearing Aids Before Purchasing?
We believe in ensuring your complete satisfaction. We offer trial periods for hearing aids, allowing you to experience the benefits in your daily life before making a decision. This hands-on experience helps ensure you select the perfect hearing solution for your needs.
What is Tinnitus and How is It Treated?
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing or other sounds in the ears when no external sound is present. Although there is no cure for tinnitus, several management strategies can offer relief, like hearing aids with tinnitus masking features, sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques and tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT). Our hearing professionals are trained in various approaches to managing tinnitus and can create a personalized plan to help you find relief from your symptoms.
At What Age Should Children Have Their Hearing Tested?
Hearing screening should begin at birth, as newborn hearing screenings are now standard in most hospitals. After the initial screening, children should have their hearing evaluated before starting school and again at ages six, eight and 10, with annual assessments during their teenage years. If you suspect your child may have hearing difficulties at any age, it’s important to schedule an evaluation, as early intervention is crucial for their speech and language development.
At AudiologyHQ, we’re committed to being your trusted resource for all things related to hearing health. Our team of experienced hearing professionals are always ready to address your concerns, answer your questions and guide you towards the best hearing solutions. If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at AudiologyHQ.