Hampden Hearing Center to participate in Listen Up America WeekDate: 10/10/2014 EAST LONGMEADOW – The statistics are shocking and even more so knowing that over half of those 36 million Americans are under the age of 65.
Hearing loss is an increasing health concern in this nation that is often preventable. Taking time to see an audiologist for periodic hearing evaluations and knowing the signs of hearing loss can help protect your hearing. Make an appointment with an audiologist this October during National Audiology Awareness Month.
“Hearing loss can be caused by exposure to loud noise, ear infections, trauma, or ear disease, harm to the inner ear or ear drum, chronic health conditions or certain medications, and deterioration due to the aging process,” Susan B. Chunyk, Au.D., said.
The amount of noise Americans are exposed to today plays an important role in the recent increase of hearing loss across the nation. It is no longer just a health concern for seniors.
Have you stopped going to restaurants and social gatherings? Do you keep to yourself when in noisy environments? If you answered yes, you may have a hearing problem. Some signs of hearing loss are: trouble understanding conversation in noisy environments such as restaurants, difficulty hearing people talking to you without looking at them, and/or ringing in your ears. Hearing loss typically occurs gradually over time, and since it is painless, many people are unaware of early signs.
On average, most Americans don’t know how to recognize the first signs of hearing loss or which health professional is qualified to diagnose and treat the condition. If you think you may have a hearing loss, you need to see an audiologist.
An audiologist is a licensed and clinically experienced health-care professional who specializes in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating people with hearing loss and balance disorders. The first step in treatment of a hearing problem is to get your hearing evaluated by an audiologist.
A hearing evaluation will determine the degree of hearing loss you have and what can be done. Although most hearing loss is permanent, an audiologist will determine the best treatment, which may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and use of communication strategies.
In response to the growing number of Americans suffering from hearing loss, the American Academy of Audiology has launched National Audiology Awareness Month this October.
In conjunction with this annual event, Hampden Hearing Center is participating in Listen Up America Week, Oct. 14 to 17. The Doctors of Audiology will offer free hearing screenings, by appointment, at their office at 200 North Main St. This quick, complimentary visit is intended for adults with any concern about their hearing.
Hampden Hearing Center’s audiologists offer personalized hearing services, including complete diagnostic hearing evaluations, prescribing and fitting of hearing aids, counseling regarding improved communication for people with hearing loss, and fabrication of custom earmolds for swimming and noise protection.
Hampden Hearing Center has provided audiological and hearing aid services in East Longmeadow since 1984.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Hampden Hearing Center at 525-7979.
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