As seen in the July 2009 issue of Senior Circle News
“As we age many of us develop hearing loss to some degree,” according to James Turk, DO, who practices in Porter County. Turk is an otolaryngologist — a doctor who specializes in the ear, nose, and throat. “Hearing loss can have a major impact on a person’s life. People with a significant hearing loss often become uncomfortable in social settings. They may withdraw from interaction with others and not get out as much. It also affects relation- ships,” said Turk.
Yet help is available. According to Turk, an otolaryngologist will begin with a painless examination to see if there are any medical reasons behind the impairment and deter- mine if medication or surgery can help. The next step would be a hearing test which should always be performed by a certified, professional audiologist. The hearing test can determine the level and type of hearing loss and suggest ways of improving the patient’s hearing — most often a hearing aid.
The most common cause of hearing damage is noise, so protect your hearing by avoiding loud noises...
“There has been a continual evolution in hearing aid technology. The newest models are entirely digital and can be programmed to the specific needs of each individual patient,” said Turk. “While we can’t restore youthful hearing, we can rehabilitate the ear in much the same way that glasses can rehabilitate the eyes,” he said.
The most common cause of hearing damage is noise, so protect your hearing by avoiding loud noises or wearing protection to reduce noise from machines, industry, recreation (such as for hunters or target practice) — even lawn mowing. Infections and certain medications can also contribute to hearing loss. See your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and available solutions.
Do you need help with hearing? See your doctor if you:
- Have trouble hearing over the telephone,
- Find it hard to follow conversations when two or more people are talking,
- Need to turn up the TV volume so loud that others complain,
- Have a problem hearing because of background noise,
- Sense that others seem to mumble, or
- Can't understand when women and children speak to you.
There are many things you can do about hearing loss. The first step is to check with your doctor.