The ability to hear is an important part of being able to function fully and to enjoy everyday life. Effective communication is much easier when one is able to take in information completely and is hampered when the words of others are unclear and difficult to understand. As we age it is not at all uncommon to experience deterioration is our ability to hear clearly but it is possible for people of any age to have difficulty in this regard. For this reason, when one begins to experience any signs of such problems it is a good idea to consider having a hearing evaluation.
It is not always easy to notice signs of hearing loss. As the changes can be very gradual at times, the person who is experiencing them may not even notice. Oftentimes it is easier for those around them to recognize some of the signs.
Changes in behavior are the most easily recognized signs. One example is when one begins to attend fewer social events. It may be that difficulty with hearing is causing it to be difficult to be at such gatherings and they would rather avoid being in an uncomfortable situation. Another classic sign is when the person has the volume on the radio or TV noticeably louder than they previously would have. This is an example of something that might be occur slowly over time and be hard to notice. Complaints by others of the person not listening to what they are saying is a common sign as well.
When a significant issue is suspected due to the existence of these signs or others, seeking help from a physician is recommended. The doctor may decide that an evaluation is needed an make a referral to an audiologist.
There are different ways of evaluating hearing. An audiometer test is administered with the patient sitting in a soundproof and wearing a special set of earphones. These are connected to the audiometer, which produces tones in range of volumes and frequencies to determine the ones at which there are deficiencies. A chart known as an audiogram is produced during the test so that the audiologist can evaluate the results.
To help assess the type of loss being suffered, a tuning fork can be used. The fork is placed on the middle the person's forehead. With normal hearing, it should be sound the same in both ears. If it's different it will help the audiologist ascertain what is happening.
The audiologist may also perform a test to evaluate the patient's ability to hear and understand words above other noises. First the patient will need to repeat sentences that are played with no competing noise, then they will have to do the same with noise being directed at them from from varying angles and different volumes.
After the hearing evaluation has been performed and the results analyzed, the health care team can then determine the appropriate course of action. They will employ the means that they feel are most likely to help the person to be able to hear normally and fully enjoy their life.
It is not always easy to notice signs of hearing loss. As the changes can be very gradual at times, the person who is experiencing them may not even notice. Oftentimes it is easier for those around them to recognize some of the signs.
Changes in behavior are the most easily recognized signs. One example is when one begins to attend fewer social events. It may be that difficulty with hearing is causing it to be difficult to be at such gatherings and they would rather avoid being in an uncomfortable situation. Another classic sign is when the person has the volume on the radio or TV noticeably louder than they previously would have. This is an example of something that might be occur slowly over time and be hard to notice. Complaints by others of the person not listening to what they are saying is a common sign as well.
When a significant issue is suspected due to the existence of these signs or others, seeking help from a physician is recommended. The doctor may decide that an evaluation is needed an make a referral to an audiologist.
There are different ways of evaluating hearing. An audiometer test is administered with the patient sitting in a soundproof and wearing a special set of earphones. These are connected to the audiometer, which produces tones in range of volumes and frequencies to determine the ones at which there are deficiencies. A chart known as an audiogram is produced during the test so that the audiologist can evaluate the results.
To help assess the type of loss being suffered, a tuning fork can be used. The fork is placed on the middle the person's forehead. With normal hearing, it should be sound the same in both ears. If it's different it will help the audiologist ascertain what is happening.
The audiologist may also perform a test to evaluate the patient's ability to hear and understand words above other noises. First the patient will need to repeat sentences that are played with no competing noise, then they will have to do the same with noise being directed at them from from varying angles and different volumes.
After the hearing evaluation has been performed and the results analyzed, the health care team can then determine the appropriate course of action. They will employ the means that they feel are most likely to help the person to be able to hear normally and fully enjoy their life.
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