ADULT HEARING LOSS
Hearing loss affects 28 million Americans - expected to grow to 80 million in the next 10 years - and ranks as the 3rd most common medical condition in America. Hearing loss can be detrimental to everyday communication and your social life.
Because hearing loss in adults can develop gradually over several years, most people are not aware of the extent of their loss until family or friends bring it to their attention. Knowing the risk factors and recognizing the symptoms of hearing loss in yourself or someone you know is the first step to improving the situation.
The following conditions are risk factors for hearing loss and should be evaluated by an audiologist.
• Family history of hearing loss
• Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears
• Trouble understanding people
• Dizziness or balance problem
• Muffled or plugged ears
• Ear trauma or head trauma
SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS
- Difficulty following conversations in group settings
- Feel as if others sound like they're mumbling.
- Difficulty hearing in noisy situations
- Difficulty hearing young children and women.
- TV or radio is turned up to a high volume.
- Answer or Respond inappropriately in conversations.
- Ringing in your ears.
- The need to read lips or more intently watch people's faces when they speak with you.
- Withdrawal from social situatios to avoid conversation