A Hearing Center Answers Your Questions

One of the best reasons to visit a hearing center is to get your questions answered. Many individuals go through life without any signs or concerns about the loss of the ability to hear until it begins to be evident. For many, this loss occurs over a period of time, even years. Because it is so gradual, it can be difficult at best to know it is happening. Yet, once you or someone you know realizes that it is occurring, you may have numerous questions about what is happening to you. How could this be? What Is It? A hearing center will perform key tests on you to determine if you are experiencing any loss of function. This type of loss often occurs as a person ages and is technically known as presbycusis. It is a common condition. According to some estimates, including that of the National Institutes of Health, as many as 33 percent of people in the United States will suffer from this condition between the ages of 65 and 75. Of those who are 75 years of age or older, about 50 percent will have some level of loss. Why Does it Happen? Many factors can contribute to this loss. It may be impossible for you to learn what causes your own loss. However, most often, hereditary factors or exposure to loud noises can be the trigger. Many of these factors will occur over a period of time. For example, those who work in a loud factory are more likely to have loss than those that do not. In some cases, a very intense, loud sound can rupture the eardrum instantly. This is rarely the cause of long-term loss, though. Still in other cases, the problem is a buildup of earwax that is so dense and impossible to remove, that you can no longer hear well. Is There a Cure? There is no way to restore loss in most people permanently when it is lost over a period of time. In some cases, removal of wax can help if that is the problem. However, there are steps doctors can take to help improve your situation. For example, those who are dealing with the inability to hear words well enough can use a device that can help to amplify sound for you. This can restore much of your loss of hearing. A hearing center is the place to go to find out what is happening with your situation. There may be a solution for your hearing problem and it may be easier for you to obtain than you realize. There is no benefit to putting off the process, but there is much to gain by finding a solution.