Did you know hearing impairment affects more than 36 million people in the US?

Approximately one sixth of American adults suffer from a degree of hearing loss, and almost 10% of children between six and 19 experience hearing loss. Seeing how common this issue is, you may be curious as to whether you or a loved one is affected.

These tips can help you determine that and your options:

Get a Consultation

The first step in determining your hearing level is to make an appointment with an audiologist. During your consultation you will discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing and any questions you may have about treatment options. Your initial consultation should take about 45 minutes.

If your consultation is for your child, feel free to share observations and concerns during this session. The child should also be prepared to tell the audiologist about any hearing difficulties they have experienced.

Get an Evaluation

To determine if you or your child has any difficulty hearing, the audiologist will conduct an evaluation. You will listen carefully to various sounds and words at differing volume levels, and you will indicate which ones you can hear and how clearly you can hear them. The audiologist will tell you if they detected any hearing loss with the tests, and this will provide a baseline of your hearing to which to compare subsequent yearly exams.

Obtain a Diagnosis

Some audiologists may want to continue with other types of evaluations to ensure accuracy of the results. During all of your testing try to remain calm and relaxed, because stress can distract you and skew the results.

Your audiologist will let you know your diagnosis, and then the next step is discussion of treatment options, if necessary.

Look at Your Options

Treatment options may include things like hearing aids or professionally cleaning our your ears. Other options may even include exercises for your brain and your hearing.

If your audiologist recommends a hearing aid, you can discuss the different options and which ones may fit your needs and your budget best.

Some hearing aids are nearly invisible and wireless: others have remote or smart capabilities to control them from your phone. Some hearing aids have wires or are bigger. Whatever your preferences and your needs, your audiologist is here to help you understand your options and get you the best fit possible.

Remember that the first step to halting hearing loss and preventing further damage is to recognize your situation. Come in today for a hearing screening and formulate a strategy to train your brain to listen actively and effectively.

Diablo Hearing Services   2301 Camino Ramon, STE 106   San Ramon  (925) 394-4646