What does a hearing test detect?
A hearing test can identify issues ranging from simple earwax blockages to permanent hearing loss. At Hearing Services West in Los Alamitos, our hearing aid specialists will evaluate your hearing threshold by having you listen to a series of tones at varying volumes. The test will also assess your ability to hear and comprehend speech, including in environments with significant background noise. After completing the test, your audiologist will produce an audiogram, which displays your hearing sensitivity. The audiogram uses frequencies measured in Hertz (Hz) and loudness in decibels to indicate the lowest volume levels at which you can hear specific sounds. The higher the volume required to hear a sound, the greater the degree of hearing loss.
Our audiologist will go over your hearing test results with you to determine the extent of your hearing loss. Following this, you will have the opportunity to discuss potential treatment options and identify the most suitable hearing aids for your needs.
How can hearing loss affect your health?
Untreated hearing loss has been linked not only to dementia and depression, but also to various subtle health impacts. Studies indicate that untreated hearing loss can increase healthcare costs by up to 40% over ten years. Conversely, appropriate treatment for hearing loss can help restore cognitive abilities and alleviate depression in affected adults. Ensuring the treatment is suitable for the severity and type of hearing loss is essential, beginning with a thorough hearing test and evaluation.
Like many individuals, you might have delayed addressing your hearing loss. Studies indicate that the average person waits seven years before seeking assistance. Unfortunately, this delay can increase the risk of serious health issues, including cognitive decline, anxiety, depression, and a higher likelihood of falls. Hearing tests are painless, straightforward, and often covered by insurance, making them an effective way to safeguard your health. They can also help identify potential health concerns early, allowing for timely treatment before they escalate. Here are some health issues that a hearing test and evaluation can reveal.
What causes hearing loss?
Hearing loss is caused by numerous factors, including:
- Advancing age (presbycusis)
- Prescription medications
- Head injury
- Heredity
- Prolonged exposure to loud noises
- Acoustic trauma
- Illnesses, such as mumps, Meniere's disease, otosclerosis or an autoimmune disorder
- A tumor
What is the best hearing protection for me?
What is the best hearing protection for me?
What is the best hearing protection for me?
The primary forms of commercially available hearing protection are over-the-counter earplugs or better yet, custom earmolds! Ear protection is suitable for individuals in noisy work environments such as airports, concerts, factories, or construction sites. Custom earplugs are quite effective in reducing noise while also being comfortable;
The primary forms of commercially available hearing protection are over-the-counter earplugs or better yet, custom earmolds! Ear protection is suitable for individuals in noisy work environments such as airports, concerts, factories, or construction sites. Custom earplugs are quite effective in reducing noise while also being comfortable; they are available through our office and only require simple and quick ear impressions.
Hearing devices are not just about volume!
What is the best hearing protection for me?
What is the best hearing protection for me?
Hearing devices must be precisely adjusted to match your specific hearing loss. Here are several reasons why this is crucial:
- Universally increasing the volume can result in excessively high levels in frequency ranges where your hearing is normal, potentially causing further damage.
- If certain frequencies are not properly adjusted, they m
Hearing devices must be precisely adjusted to match your specific hearing loss. Here are several reasons why this is crucial:
- Universally increasing the volume can result in excessively high levels in frequency ranges where your hearing is normal, potentially causing further damage.
- If certain frequencies are not properly adjusted, they may become uncomfortably loud, possibly leading you to discontinue using the device.
- Incorrect settings can impair sound clarity, rendering increased volume ineffective if you still cannot understand speech.
- Using a hearing aid not fitted according to a recent audiogram may worsen your hearing instead of improving it.
Getting the right device for hearing loss!
What is the best hearing protection for me?
Getting the right device for hearing loss!
When selecting a hearing device, several additional features are crucial to consider. For instance, many hearing aids incorporate artificial intelligence to enhance sound quality, mitigate tinnitus symptoms, and reduce background noise. These features can be essential depending on the specific nature of your hearing loss to effectively ad
When selecting a hearing device, several additional features are crucial to consider. For instance, many hearing aids incorporate artificial intelligence to enhance sound quality, mitigate tinnitus symptoms, and reduce background noise. These features can be essential depending on the specific nature of your hearing loss to effectively address your hearing issues.
Moreover, an audiologist can assist in monitoring your hearing loss over time and adjust the settings accordingly to accommodate any subtle changes.