Reasons Why People of Any and All Ages May Be Candidates for a Hearing Test

At one time, people tended to use the expression ‘hard-of-hearing’ when they referred to an individual who raised the volume of their television or radio to levels that were rather uncomfortable for others in the vicinity. This less-than-flattering terminology was often associated with seniors/aging and even depicted in somewhat derogatory fashion as the essence of a comedy skit or a scene in a satirical movie.

But let’s set the record straight, so to speak. First, ‘hearing loss’ is the more acceptable term; secondly, it is certainly not a laughing matter. And for the purposes of clarification and understanding, hearing loss is not restricted to the elderly. Hearing loss can affect people of all ages and, if left undiagnosed/untreated, it can have an impact on the lives of those individuals as well as their immediate family and friends.

Hearing loss can be attributed to a variety of factors; some may be more common than others and treatment may range from the use of hearing aids to medical and/or surgical intervention. Causes of hearing loss can/will include:

• Aging
• Genetic predisposition
• Trauma to the eardrum
  • Rupture/perforation
• Trauma to the ear or head
• Collection/build-up of ear wax
• Acute and chronic ear infections
• Prolonged exposure to loud noise
• Abnormal bone growth or tumours
• Sudden extreme changes in pressure
• Excessive use of in-ear listening devices
• Medications toxic to the ear (ototoxicity)
• Certain illnesses or states of ill-health, e.g.:
  • Hypertension, obesity, and diabetes

The hearing impairment that can result from the above conditions or circumstances can be manifested in a number of ways, including but not limited to:

• Televisions or radios played at very high volumes
• Not reacting to the ring of a telephone or doorbell
• Frequently asking individuals to repeat themselves
• Appearing uninterested/inattentive during meetings
• Misconstruing/misinterpreting questions/statements
• Withdrawing from conversations and social activities

Quite often, individuals who are experiencing a degree of hearing loss maybe reluctant to express any concerns or perhaps simply might not be aware of their hearing impairment. However, in either case, it is likely that they are not enjoying many aspects of life to the level that they were once accustomed.

It may therefore be incumbent on loved ones, family members, and/or friends to take that delicate yet critically important step of presenting their suspicions (based on factual observations) and encouraging the individual to contact a hearing test centre, like Bravo Hearing Centre in Toronto. A hearing specialist from Bravo Hearing Centre can conduct a comprehensive hearing test to confirm the presence of any hearing loss, determine its extent, and recommend the appropriate course of action.

Let a Hearing Aid Specialist Custom Fit the Hearing Aids Best Suited for You

Based on hearing test results, the specialists from Bravo Hearing Centre in Toronto may suggest the use of hearing aids as the best treatment option moving forward. In such circumstances, patients can rest assured that a Bravo hearing aid specialist will be able to customize the device or devices to meet specific/individual needs.

The choice of hearing aids will be contingent on personal preferences plus health-related concerns. Such factors may consist of any or all of the following:

• The anatomy of the ear
• Extent of the hearing loss
• Lifestyle needs and preferences
• Visual acuity and manual dexterity
• Attitudes with respect to technology
• Budgetary influences/medical coverage

Subsequent to the above, the hearing aid specialist will consult with the patient on which of the following types of hearing aids would be the most suitable:

• In-The-Ear (ITE)
• In-The-Canal (ITC)
• Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
• Invisible-In-Canal (IIC)
• Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)
• Completely-In-Canal (CIC)

If you or someone you know is suffering from hearing loss, custom-fitted hearing aids might be the solution to any frustrations you may be experiencing. Call the hearing aid specialists from Bravo Hearing Centre in Toronto at 416-207-9711 to book a hearing test today.