Do you find yourself having a harder time than normal hearing conversations or asking more often for those around you to repeat themselves? If so, you could be suffering from hearing loss. Fortunately, your ear, nose and throat doctor can help you understand your hearing loss and find the best treatment for you. Find out more about your options with your specialist at South Carolina ENT in Columbia, SC.
Am I suffering from hearing loss?
Often, hearing loss begins mildly and gets worse slowly over time. This often means hearing loss patients are unaware of their condition until much later on. However, there are some tell-tale warning signs and symptoms of hearing loss, including:
- others telling you the TV or radio is too loud, but you feel as though it is a normal volume
- difficulty having a conversation, especially in crowded situations
- feeling like you need to concentrate very hard on understanding a conversation
- you find yourself asking people to speak up or repeat themselves more often
- you feel as though people mumble when they speak to you
If you or those around you begin noticing these symptoms, you may need a hearing test to assess your level of hearing loss.
Hearing Evaluations in Columbia
A hearing test is the best way to determine if and at what level you are experiencing hearing loss. During the test, you will wear a pair of headphones and listen for small noises played at differing frequencies. You will then tell your doctor in which ear the noises occur. This seemingly simple test is a great way to pinpoint your hearing loss to get you on the best track for treatment.
Hearing Loss Treatments
Hearing aids are the most common treatment for hearing loss. With several styles and price ranges to choose from, hearing aids take outside noises and amplify them before sending them through your ear. You can adjust your hearing aid to your own specifications, allowing you to tweak them especially for you and your level of hearing loss. In the case of a dysfunctional ear, your doctor may need to perform surgery or other procedures to help you hear again.
For more information on hearing loss, please contact your ear, nose, and throat specialist at South Carolina ENT in Columbia, SC. Call to schedule your appointment for a hearing test today!