Audiology
Hearing Loss Treatment
Many people do not realize they are suffering from hearing loss until someone
points out that they seem to not hear things often. In fact, it is often
only at a loved one’s urging that many people visit an audiologist.
Central Valley Medical Center offers audiology services through our specialty
clinic, offering comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of hearing disorders.
Learning that you have a hearing disorder can be alarming, as in most
cases the process is so gradual that people don’t realize it. Thankfully,
there have been many advances in audiology technology that can help people
regain what they’ve lost.
Common Signs of Hearing Loss
As mentioned above, hearing loss can be difficult to self-diagnose. Many
conditions develop slowly over time, and most people do not seek an appointment
with an audiologist until their reduced hearing becomes a consistent problem.
Below are some common signs that you or a loved one suffer from hearing loss:
- You need to listen to the TV or radio at a high problem
- You have an abnormally difficult time hearing people close to you in crowded
places, such as a restaurant
- You often ask people to repeat what they just said
- You frequently respond to people incorrectly because you misheard them
- There is a history of hearing loss in your family
- You find yourself staring at people’s faces more intently to figure
out what they said
Hearing problems most often develop in children in seniors, but they can
occur at any age. If you are frequently exposed to loud noises for prolonged
periods, you have an increased risk of developing a hearing disorder.
Treatment for Hearing Loss
At this time, there is no cure for most forms hearing loss. The first step
in treatment is diagnosing the root cause. If the condition is caused
by external factors, such as fluid buildup or ear inflammation, medication
or surgery may be an appropriate treatment. For more permanent forms of
hearing loss, hearing aids are usually the only option.
Our audiologists take the time to learn about each patient and prescribe
a personalized treatment. If you do require hearing aids, we can make
sure you receive a customized device designed to fit your ear and address
your unique needs.