Your Hearing
Why can't I tell that I have a hearing problem?
The reason you don't know you have a hearing problem is because your brain adjusts to how you hear or do not hear. A gradual, progressive hearing loss robs us of our baseline comparison to what our hearing was like when it was normal. Our brain adjusts and processes all incoming auditory information with the hearing loss included.What we hear is normal for us. Others tell us that we do not hear, however. When we then pay attention to how we really hear, we notice that we ask for repititions of speech over distance, in the presence of background noise, and especially when others are talking at the same time.
Is hearing loss really the country's most prevalent major health problem?
No, but it is close. Hearing loss is the most prevalent chronic health problem next to arthritis. Twenty million Americans are afflicted. Many have history of exposure to loud noise. Most of us do not understand hearing loss. Little is written to help us. We can only obtain a glimpse of what might be helpful to us from the ads placed by companies promoting their products. These claims border on the incredible, and some are absolutely outrageous.
If I suspect that my hearing ability has become diminished, what do I do?
When you have a question about your hearing, talk to a professional with expertise in the field of audiology. Expertise is based on audiologic training, experience, research and knowledge of the latest technological advances in the field. No professional should ever be offended when you ask about their qualifications. Don't be afraid to ask for credentials!
Should I take the advice of my physician?
He says I have some hearing loss but I have my doubts.
Most of our patients are not self-referred. Family members or very close friends persuade them to act. Other referrals come from family physicians, medical experts and other professionals who notice that their patient cannot hear them.
Other FAQs to be responded to soon
What is a hearing loss?
Do I have a hearing loss?
Why do I have a hearing loss?
Can I fix my hearing loss?
What causes hearing loss?
What are some of the types of hearing losses?
Is hearing loss medically treatable?
What hearing problems are associated with aging?
Why can't I hear in crowded situations with or without my hearing aids?
What is the latest development in hearing aid technology?
Will hearing aids keep my loss from getting wors