Hearing Loss: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
If so, you are not alone. Hearing loss is one of the biggest health concerns in the U.S. It is the third most commonly reported physical condition, following arthritis and heart disease. It affects roughly 20 percent of the American population and can strike people of all ages.
48 million Americans report some degree of hearing loss.
Top 5 Symptoms of Hearing Loss
- Having trouble following conversations with background noise.
- Missing part of the conversation.
- Feeling like others mumble when they speak.
- Turning the volume on the television up.
- Avoiding social gatherings.
How is Hearing Loss Diagnosed?
In order to diagnose hearing loss, your audiologist will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, physically examine your ears and complete a hearing evaluation consisting of a series of audiological tests. A hearing exam may involve one or more of the following:
- Pure Pone Testing
- Bone Conductive Testing
- Speech Testing
- Typanometry
- Acoustic Reflex Testing
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
- Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)
