Hearing loss is a common symptom of aging, but that doesn’t make it any less difficult for High Desert residents to manage. It can be devastating for a patient to start to lose their hearing, as they may feel like their independence drifting away. At St. Bernardine Care Providers, we believe that mitigating hearing loss is beneficial. It can be a positive step for Apple Valley residents, who look forward to an improved quality of life and better interaction with their family members and friends. Mitigating hearing loss also improves safety and can help aging patients gain back some of their independence.
How Will a Person Know if They are Experiencing Hearing Loss?
A person who believes they are experiencing hearing loss should start to keep a journal of their conversations and listening experiences on a daily basis. For example, if they feel like they can’t hear someone from across the room, they should write that down. If they continually have to turn the TV up in order to hear it, they should take note. This will help them provide their healthcare provider with specific examples. In addition, patients should schedule a yearly physical that includes a hearing exam.
What Can a Healthcare Provider Do?
A healthcare provider will run several diagnostic tests in order to test the levels of a person’s hearing. Each individual circumstance will require personalized treatment. The physician will likely consider the person’s age, lifestyle and circumstances surrounding the hearing loss before developing a treatment plan for the patient. It is important that patients follow all recommendations from their hearing specialist and primary physician, as these tips will provide them with the best chance for improvement.
What Treatment Options are Available?
When a person experiences hearing loss, normal hearing usually cannot be restored. However, hearing aids can provide people with a significant improvement in their hearing abilities. There are several different types of hearing aids available, and doctors will provide patients with a recommendation that works best for them. With an improved sense of hearing, patients are able to enjoy a more fulfilling social life and greater independence. In addition to using hearing aids, patients may find that special amplifying TVs, phones, and radio systems can help them enjoy the things that they used to once again.
If you believe that you are experiencing signs and symptoms of hearing loss, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional as soon as possible. At St. Bernardine Care Providers, we work with patients who are experiencing hearing loss on a regular basis. We can help patients as well as their loved ones cope with this reality, while also helping them implement treatment options that have been provided to the patient by their primary physician.
