How Can An Audiologist Help You?

Did you know that many people don’t realize they have hearing problems until a close friend or family member tells them? Or that you don’t have to live with things you’ve just gotten used to, like ringing in your ears or avoiding groups because you can’t keep up with the conversation? An audiologist can help.

Hearing loss can affect every part of our lives, including how we feel, think and act. Taking care of our hearing wellbeing can help us do well at any age. Stats show, though, that the average American with hearing loss doesn’t get help for seven years. But how do you know when to see a professional in hearing care? Here are some common signs that you may be losing your hearing or that it’s time to see an audiologist.

You Have Tinnitus

Tinnitus, which is often described as a ringing in the ears, is a condition that can be annoying and frustrating. It can also cause buzzing, humming or whooshing sounds because of issues with the nerves in your ears. Some people only have tinnitus for a short time after being exposed to loud noises, but many people have it forever. An audiologist can suggest a hearing aid that helps relieve and lessen the effects of tinnitus.

You Have to Turn Up The TV

Do you have trouble hearing the TV? Family or roommates telling you that you play it too loud? Maybe you don’t understand what people are saying to you on the phone, or you have to ask them to say things again. Loss of hearing can happen slowly, so you might not notice it right away. But if you or someone else notices, it may be time to make an appointment for a hearing test.

You Avoid Social Gatherings

Depression can be caused by hearing loss that isn’t treated. This is because the pressure of not being able to keep pace with numerous conversations can make a person withdraw from social situations, which can lead to isolation. An audiologist can give you a hearing aid that helps block out background noise and hone in on specific sounds, so you can get out and live again.

You Have a Lot of Earwax

All of us have earwax, but some individuals tend to make more than others. When earwax builds up, it can make it hard to hear. Whether you already have a hearing aid or have never had one before, it’s important for your hearing health to keep your ears clean. Remember that it’s hard to clean out too much wax without hurting your ears, but an audiologist can do this easily and safely.

You Experience Sudden Hearing Loss

There are many things that can cause sudden hearing loss, but it should always be considered an emergency. Acute hearing loss can be caused by a lot of wax in the ear, a hole in the eardrum, physical damage to the ear or damage to the brain from a head injury. If you or a loved one experiences sudden hearing loss, see a doctor right away and follow up with an audiologist for more care.