Though hearing loss is a normal part of life for many, it can significantly affect your lifestyle if you don’t get the proper treatment. Hearing loss can develop for a number of reasons, but with the help of hearing aids, this condition doesn’t have to impact your quality of life.  

Recognizing you have hearing loss

Learning you have hearing loss can be difficult to accept at first if you didn’t suspect you were having issues with your auditory system. However, it’s often easier to understand what to expect if you can recognize the symptoms before the condition worsens. The most common signs of hearing loss include:

  • Trouble hearing on the phone
  • Difficulty hearing in group situations
  • Problems hearing women and small children
  • Turning up the volume on the radio or TV
  • Asking others to frequently repeat themselves

Denying the problem

When you first learn that you’ve developed hearing loss, you’re may feel a sense of denial. You may want to ignore the signs of hearing loss and tell yourself that you’re having trouble understanding people because they’re talking too quietly or because the background noise is too loud. Unfortunately, without proper action, your hearing could continue to deteriorate, making it essential you take any symptoms seriously.

Increased frustration

Once you have come to accept that you are experiencing hearing loss, you may begin to feel frustrated with the possibility of how your life may change. Luckily, hearing aids are incredibly common and capable devices that can be worked seamlessly into your life. Once you find the right technology for your needs, you will be able easily participate in the conversation again.

Considering your hearing environments

You may also find yourself wanting to blame others or your environment for your hearing condition. While loud noise exposure is a common cause of hearing loss, it isn’t the only factor contributing to these problems. Often, heredity factors and aging are to blame – things you cannot control.

Once you’ve accepted your hearing loss you will be ready to move forward and look toward the future. Now that you’ve come to terms with your hearing loss, you can take steps to improving your quality of life. This is the time to see an audiologist.

An audiologist can assess your hearing using a hearing test, which will reveal the extent of your hearing loss, including the types of sounds you’re missing. From here, the audiologist can construct a treatment plan. For permanent hearing loss, hearing aids will likely be recommended. 

Hearing aids are available in numerous styles, including these main three

  • In the ear (ITE): ITE devices are located in the outer bowl of the ear and can be purchased in skin and hair tones. They are medium-sized and can be equipped with several different features. These are recommended for individuals with mild-to-moderately-severe hearing loss.
  • Behind the ear (BTE): BTE hearing aids are worn behind the ear with tubing that connects to a receiver in the canal. These devices are larger and easier to handle for individuals with dexterity problems and are recommended for mild-to-profound hearing loss.
  • In the canal (ITC): ITC devices are the smallest option of the three common styles, worn directly in the canal to provide a natural listening experience. These hearing aids are recommended for individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

In addition to hearing aid styles, it will be important for you to consider what features will be most beneficial to your specific needs. There are several features to choose from, including:

  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Multisettings
  • Wireless control
  • Feedback reduction
  • Background noise reduction
  • Sound profiles

Why is it important to accept hearing loss?

If hearing loss is allowed to remain untreated, your quality of life and overall wellbeing can be negatively impacted. Without treatment, you could experience cognitive decline, which occurs when the brain isn’t able to process normal sounds, causing it to go unused. Additionally, individuals with hearing loss are more likely to experience anxiety, depression and social isolation. Difficulty communicating in group situations can make individuals withdraw from these interactions because of the stress that develops when asking others to frequently repeat themselves.

Contact Davis Audiology

At David Audiology, we’ll work with you to find the best solution for your hearing loss. We offer hearing aids in a variety of styles and sizes to meet your hearing loss, lifestyle and budget needs. Contact our team at (864) 810-6238 today to find out more about how we can help you improve your hearing.