A common misconception is that hearing loss is exclusively an issue for older generations. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. According to a 2014 CDC report, as many as 12% of people between the ages of 18 and 39 have difficulty following a conversation due to hearing loss.
Luckily, hearing aid technology has advanced considerably in the last decade. If you have a need for them, you won’t be embarrassed by having to wear large bulky contraptions on your ears. You might also be able to pair your hearing aids with your smartphone, taking advantage of the numerous technological benefits this offers.
The sooner you address signs of hearing loss, the more likely it is you will be able to reduce further degradation of your hearing. Professional Audiology can help you take the first step in being proactive with your hearing health.
No matter the degree of hearing loss you might be suffering, hearing tests can offer numerous benefits for those who take them.
A hearing test can not only help pin down the current state of your hearing, but it can also uncover factors that may be contributing to hearing loss. As there are different types of hearing loss, a hearing test will aim to indicate not only the cause but also the location of the issue within your ears.
If hearing aids are indeed an option for you, the data gathered during a hearing test will be integral in deciding the type and technology level that will be best suited for your needs.
If you are lucky enough to currently not need the aid of hearing technology, a hearing test can still provide you with a baseline of information that can become very useful in the future. Comparing your previous tests against current measurements is an incredibly inciteful tool when it comes to determining what might be happening with your hearing.
Hearing aids are not just made for those suffering from profound hearing loss. Hearing aids can help minimize the impacts that even mild hearing loss can have on your life.
Not being able to clearly hear what is being said to you can certainly have a detrimental impact on your relationships and your social life. Many people with hearing issues tend to avoid situations where they might not be able to fully understand what is going on. No matter the level of hearing loss, hearing aids can help you keep engaged and active with your family and friends.
Your hearing health is directly connected with your mental health. Poor hearing health can lead to higher levels of anxiety, depression, and even cognitive decline and dementia as you grow older. Tackling your hearing health early on can help decelerate the degradation of your mental wellbeing.
Hearing aids help to deliver stronger sound signals to your brain. When your brain receives weaker signals, it must work harder to interpret the information. By using hearing aids early on, you ensure your brain isn’t working overtime for years to help you hear, possibly contributing to healthier hearing down the road.
A lot has changed in the world of hearing aid tech. Not only are newer hearing aids smaller and more inconspicuous than they used to be, they also have benefited from the same advancements in technology that smartphones and earphones have over the last decade.
Just as many electronic devices have been able to shrink in size due to advances, so have hearing aids. Many in-the-ear (ITE) devices have become so small they can go relatively unnoticed by those around you. The miniaturization trend for hearing aids means you don’t have to feel awkward about wearing hearing aids in social situations.
Gone are the days of having to worry about your hearing aids running out of power and having to carry around easily losable batteries. Most modern hearing aids now have built-in rechargeable batteries that will have no problem getting you through your day. Charge them at night just like you do with your phone, and never worry about them running out of power in the middle of a conversation.
There are many ways in which you can take advantage of the advanced wireless technology offered in many hearing aids. Often, you can adjust your hearing aids sound levels on the fly using a smartphone app. You can also often connect via Bluetooth and stream music directly to your hearing aids.
If you’re noticing hearing challenges or if you are experiencing a ringing in your ears, a hearing test is a great first step in determining if you are dealing with hearing loss and can help you determine what treatment options might be best suited for your situation.
No matter your age, your hearing health can play a drastic role in your overall mental and physical wellbeing.
At Professional Audiology, we’ll help you understand your hearing health so you can be confident in the next steps you take toward healthy hearing.
Visit Professional Audiology Clinic at our central Edmonton or Sherwood Park locations!
Edmonton - Hys Centre
11010-101 Street NW, Unit #107
Sherwood Park – Emerald Hills Office Tower
8005 Emerald Drive, Unit #827 (second floor)
Evening appointments available.