HEARING LOSS

Hearing loss occurs gradually as we start to age. According to doctors, heredity and chronic exposures to loud noises are one of the main factors that can contribute to hearing loss over the time. Other factors can include ear wax blockage which can also prevent ears from conducting sounds as they should. Hear loss can't be reversed but you don't have to live in a muted world of less distinct sounds. You or your hearing specialist can take steps to enhance/improve what you hear. It is quite comforting to know that with the help of a right hearing solution, most people can hear again.

Signs and symptoms of hearing loss may include:

• Muting of speech and other sounds
• Feeling the need of turning up volume level of television or radio
• Difficulty in understanding words, particularly beside backdrop noise or in a crowd of people
• Less participation in dialogue exchange
• Regularly asking others to speak more gradually, visibly and loudly
• Avoidance in social affairs

When to see a doctor

It is important to talk to your doctor if you are facing problem in hearing in your daily life. Your hearing may have worsened if you find that it's harder to comprehend everything that's said in discussion, particularly when there's background noise; if sounds seem muted; or if you find yourself having to turn the volume up when hearing music, television and radio.

Tests to diagnose hearing loss may include:

General screening tests – You may be required to cover an ear at one time in order to check how well you hear words which are spoken at different levels of volume and how well you react to other sounds.

Tuning fork tests – Tuning forks are basically two-pronged metal instruments which emit sounds when struck. When a simple test is done with tuning forks, it can help the doctor in detecting hearing loss. A tuning fork test can also reveal whether the hearing loss is due to the vibrating parts of the ear such as your eardrum), damage to sensors or nerves of your inner ear, or damage to both.

Audiometer tests – During this, a detailed test is conducted by an audiologist. Patient is made to wear ear phones and hear sounds which are directed to one ear at a time. The audiologist produces various sounds of varied tones and may ask you to indicate each time you hear the sound. Each tone is recurring at weak levels to figure when you can hardly hear. The audiologist will also present various words to decide your hearing ability. – During this, a detailed test is conducted by an audiologist. Patient is made to wear ear phones and hear sounds which are directed to one ear at a time. The audiologist produces various sounds of varied tones and may ask you to indicate each time you hear the sound. Each tone is recurring at weak levels to figure when you can hardly hear. The audiologist will also present various words to decide your hearing ability.