Do I Need Hearing Aids? Find the Answer at Sandia Hearing Aids

Many Americans and individuals around the world experience hearing loss.

Hearing loss is common, particularly with age. This is because as you get older, you experience normal wear and tear on your ear’s sensory cells.

While common, hearing loss can be dangerous if left untreated. Therefore, if you are hard of hearing, it is important to have hearing aids to prevent potential risks associated with hearing loss.

So, when is it the right time to get a hearing aid? To answer this question, this article will discuss the early signs of hearing loss and when you should get a hearing aid.

What are the symptoms of hearing loss?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a list of hearing loss symptoms. These signs include, but are not limited to:

• Problems understanding people on the phone or in person.
• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
• Oftentimes needing to turn up the volume on the phone, TV or computer.
• Ringing in the ears.
• Difficulty maintaining and hearing conversations, particularly in noisy environments.
• Pain or sensitivity to sound.

If you experience some of these signs, you may be demonstrating signs of hearing loss. In these instances, it is important to get evaluated by a professional who can assess if a hearing aid is right for you.

Getting assessed for hearing loss

Start with a free hearing consultation at Sandia Hearing Aids Santa Fe. We will perform physical assessments and evaluate your ears to understand the potential cause of hearing loss. If hearing loss is confirmed, our hearing professionals will determine the right hearing aids for you.

When should I get hearing aids?

The Hearing Health Foundation categorizes hearing loss in five levels. These levels range from normal hearing to profound hearing loss.

HHF guidelines recommend using hearing aids if you experience anywhere from the second to the fifth level of hearing loss. This means that even if you have moderate hearing loss, you should use hearing aids.

These hearing loss levels are described as:

• Normal hearing
• Moderate hearing loss — This is defined as trouble hearing quieter sounds, such as that of a conversation or refrigerator. At this level, you may ask others to repeat themselves or to talk louder.
• Moderately severe hearing loss — At this level, you may have trouble hearing slightly louder sounds, such as that of a dishwasher. You also would not be able to hear speech without the assistance of hearing aids.
• Severe hearing loss — This level is defined as difficulty hearing louder sounds, such as that of a motorcycle.
• Profound hearing loss — Finally, profound hearing loss is characterized by trouble hearing very loud sounds, such as a fire alarm.

Each of these levels of hearing loss can and should be assisted by hearing aids. Hearing aids will help to amplify sound so that you are better able to converse with others and interact with your environment.

The hearing aid you select will be based on your level of hearing loss. A professional can help you to select what hearing aid will be right for you.

[H3]Book a Free Hearing Consultation at Sandia Hearing Aids Santa Fe

Our hearing professionals can help you determine your level of hearing loss, if any, and recommend a variety of products that can help you get back to enjoying your normal activities again.