Hearing loss can happen to some babies at birth, due to one or more parts of their ear may not work the way they should. Also, adults may lose their hearing because of loud noises, illness, or age. If you think you might have a hearing loss, see an audiologist for testing.
Audiologists are healthcare professionals who provide patient-centered care in the prevention, identification, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment of hearing, balance, and other auditory disorders for people of all ages. Look for an audiologist who has:
- A master’s or doctoral degree
- The Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) from ASHA
- A state license in one of the 50 states or in the District of Columbia.
Some issues people may experience in regards to hearing loss:
Medications that can cause hearing loss (Ototoxic Medications)
Some medications can damage the ear, resulting in ringing in the ear, hearing loss and even balance disorders. The ototoxic medications damage the sensory cells, located in the inner ear, used in hearing and balance. Today, there are over 200 ototoxic medications on the market, prescription and over-the-counter. Often times the medicines are used in treatment for serious infections, cancers and heart disease.
http://www.asha.org/uploadedFiles/AIS-Ototoxic-Medications.pdf
How do I make the most of my new hearing aids?
People will find that even with a hearing aid, it may be difficult to hear. Practicing separating speech from background noise takes a lot of practice. Some tips for learning to do this include: looking at the speaker, tell someone if you do not understand what they said, pay attention to lighting and stay close to the speaker and listen for key words or ideas.
http://www.asha.org/uploadedFiles/AIS-Making-the-most-of-your-new-hearing-aids.pdf
Will hearing aids fix my hearing? Are all hearing aids the same? Do I need one or two hearing aids?
You may have a lot questions when you are first told you need to have hearing aids. You will be given a specific hearing aid and it will be made based on your needs. A great reminder is that hearing aids do not always return your hearing back to normal, but they do offer help to most persons with hearing loss.
http://www.asha.org/uploadedFiles/AIS-My-Audiologist-Says-I-Need-Hearing-Aids.pdf
Video
Check out this video that spotlights some of the ways hearing loss can take a toll.
For more information call 507-831-0634 to talk with our Speech/Language Pathologist.
Blog Written By: Joann Anderson, Speech/Language Pathologist