Hearing Healthcare Alert

Did you know that 35 million Americans experience hearing loss? The month of May was identified as “Better Speech and Hearing Month” to promote awareness to this growing health care issue. Unfortunately hearing aids and hearing instruments are not covered by Medicare and most insurance companies thus many individuals simply can’t afford to hear.

Ear disorders and hearing loss extends into all age categories. 60-70% of children from birth to age seven experience varying degrees of middle ear dysfunction that can affect short-term hearing and long-term language and educational development. Many students and young adults are exposed to excessive noise; music, machinery, guns and tools that can permanently damage the inner ear. As our ears age the sensory hair cells of the inner ear begin to deteriorate causing loss of loudness and understanding.

Obviously we can’t control genetics or the aging of the ear but there is a great deal we can do to address the other causes of hearing loss. Early detection, as with most medical problems, is paramount in dealing with both ear disorders and hearing loss. In the United States, all newborn children are screened for hearing loss during their initial hospital admission. Parents need to be made aware of symptoms and normal speech and language developmental maturation. Family Physicians, Audiologists and the schools are good sources for reference materials regarding hearing healthcare issues. Most schools have in place a hearing screening procedure to identify problems at the student level.

Utilizing ear protection can be the single most effective way to prevent hearing loss. There are many types available and your local Audiologist is probably the best source of information regarding the most effective type for your ear and noise environment.

For losses that can’t be treated medically, the new generation of Hearing Instruments can significantly improve your communication skills. Digital Amplifiers, Directional Microphones, Sophisticated Noise Reduction Circuits, Auto Telecoils and Computer Programmability make amplification today an effective treatment for permanent hearing loss.

In summary remember over 95% of all ear disorders and hearing loss can be successfully treated medically or with hearing instruments. If you or a family member is experiencing ear problems, dizziness or hearing loss consult your physician and area Audiologist for appropriate diagnosis, treatment and recommendations.

For more information, call 800.497.7447 or log on to clearvaluehearing.com.