Spring is here and after spending a long winter inside, many of us are ready to get outside and enjoy the sounds of nature. However, as many as 28 million Americans suffer from hearing loss and they may not hear the birds chirping each morning.
Every year during the month of May, the American- Speech-Language- Hearing Association (ASHA) celebrates “May is Better Hearing and Speech Month.” ASHA encourages Americans to go out and have their hearing tested during this time if they have any concerns about their hearing levels.
Many people often do not realize they are having difficulty hearing until other people such as their spouses or other family members start to point out their communication difficulties. As I tell my patients,“Hearing loss is odorless, painless and it gradually sneaks up on you over time.” Common signs of hearing loss include:
frequently asking for repetition
difficulty hearing in background noise
listening the television or the radio at a level that other people feel is too loud
tinnitus or ringing in the ears
difficulty hearing on the telephone
people sounding as if they are mumbling
ear pain
If these symptoms sound familiar to you, it may be time for you to see an audiologist for a hearing test.An audiologist is a healthcare professional licensed to evaluate, diagnose, manage and treat hearing loss, tinnitus and balance disorders. In New Jersey audiologists can also obtain their hearing aid dispensing license and fit hearing aids.Audiologists work with children and adults and can be employed by schools, hospitals, private practices, or ENT doctors’ offices.
The hearing test itself is quick and painless.The audiologist will begin with a case history and then examine your ear canals.After that, tests of middle ear function called tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing are completed. Next the actual hearing test is performed to measure the softest level you can hear a tone at several different frequencies.The audiologist will place you in a sound-proof booth and put head phones on you to complete this portion of the test.You will be asked to raise your hand or press a button when you hear the “beep.”The audiologist will mark your responses on a graph called an audiogram. Once the audiologist has completed that section of the test she will ask you to repeat several words.This part of the test is called your word discrimination score. Once your test is completed, the audiologist will review the results with you, counsel you in regard to your hearing loss (if hearing loss is present), and make the appropriate recommendations. Recommendations may include annual hearing tests, amplification, and/or medical follow up.
Don’t miss out on the sounds of nature this spring! Make an appointment with an audiologist to have your hearing tested so you can hear your loved ones as well!
Dr.Adams is an audiologist who practices at Advanced Otolaryngology Associates in East Brunswick. For more information, call 732-387-5405.