What Are the Telltale Signs That Are Urging Me to See an Audiologist?
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, more than 37 million American adults 18 and older struggle with their hearing. 3 out of every 1,000 U.S. children are born with some hearing loss in one or both ears.
Whether you want a checkup or are struggling with hearing loss you should consider seeing an audiologist. This guide will go over some of the signs that indicate you need to see a doctor that specializes in hearing problems. Keep reading to learn more.
Sudden Hearing Loss
One of the main signs that indicate you should make an appointment with your local audiologist is hearing loss. Gradual hearing loss might be detected by a family member first. This is something that occurs with age and can be detected easily.
Some common signs include listening to the TV at a higher volume than usual, needing people to repeat themselves when they speak to you, and having trouble hearing the voices of women and children.
Sudden hearing loss is another reason to see an audiologist. This can occur after getting injured, being exposed to high levels of noise, and taking certain prescription drugs.
A Problem With Excessive Ear Wax
If you’ve struggled with excessive ear wax in the past, you should visit an audiologist regularly. Ear wax helps protect your inner ear and keeps dirt out of it, but too much wax can become a problem.
Too much ear wax can make hearing difficult. The problem is easy to solve, you’ll just have to set up a professional cleaning with your audiologist.
You might want to avoid a visit with the doctor and try cleaning out the wax yourself, but this isn’t recommended because of how sensitive your ears are.
When You’re Due for a Checkup
It’s important to visit your doctor every year to make sure you’re in good health. In the same way that you visit your dentist for a cleaning every six months and your eye doctor once a year, it’s important to schedule a checkup with your audiologist too.
Getting your ears checked every year is just as important as checking your eyes and teeth. Even if you don’t think you have any hearing issues, an audiologist will be able to examine your ears and test your hearing to make sure everything is as it should be.
Make an appointment with the best audiologist today to get your yearly hearing examinations completed and keep your hearing health a top priority.
If You’re Experiencing Ear Ringing
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is another sign that you should see an audiologist as soon as possible. The ringing is often a result of hearing loss and can become bothersome.
An audiologist will help find the solution that works best for you. Some treatments that your doctor might prescribe include using a noise machine or a tinnitus masker.
Tinnitus can also be caused by other health conditions. If your doctor finds that the ringing in your ears isn’t related to hearing loss, they’ll likely refer you to another healthcare specialist.
If You Have a Child With Behavioral Problems
An audiologist might not be the first professional that comes to mind when you have a child going through behavioral problems. If your child’s behavior and grades continue to suffer after exhausting every other resource, you should consider taking them to an audiologist to get their hearing tested.
Hearing loss affects people of all ages and many children are born with some hearing loss. Detection doesn’t often occur early enough. This can lead children to feel a lot of frustration when they don’t understand what they’re experiencing.
This frustration can lead to poor behavior and academic struggles. So make an appointment with an audiologist if this is something your family is experiencing.
When You Suffer From a Balance Disorder
An audiologist also treats balance disorders caused by hearing loss. If you often feel dizzy, lightheaded, or like the room is spinning, this can indicate that you have vertigo.
Meniere’s disease affects the inner ear and often causes vertigo and hearing loss. An audiologist will find the right treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms. This way, the disorder won’t interfere with your day-to-day life.
If You Need a Hearing Aid
If you suspect you or a family member is hard of hearing, an audiologist will schedule a hearing exam. This exam will help your doctor determine the severity of the issue so they can find the best solution to help improve your hearing.
This can include getting a hearing aid. With their knowledge and training, an audiologist will know which hearing aid is best for your lifestyle. They’ll also help you find something within your budget if this is a concern for you.
Ear Health Is Associated With Other Health Conditions
Seeing a specialist that can check your hearing is just as important as seeing a primary care doctor. Your ear health is part of general health and taking care of it is vital to leading a healthy life.
Having an audiologist check your hearing can help you determine if your hearing loss is connected to other health conditions too.
Signs That You Need to See an Audiologist
If you’re considering seeing an audiologist, some of the signs in the list above will help you determine if you should make an appointment. Ringing in your ears or sudden hearing loss are signs that you need to get your hearing checked.
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