What To Do If You Find That You Are Not Able To Hear Properly

In the vast majority of cases, people do not experience a sudden onset of hearing loss. The ability to hear clearly is not like an on-off switch for overhead lighting in a kitchen or hallway – it is not there one minute then totally gone in the flick of a switch. In fact, it is more like the concept of dimmer switches often found in dining rooms; in the same way that light fades when these switches are turned or touched, hearing loss generally occurs gradually over a period of time.

Often, the onset of hearing loss is evident in clues/signs that are rather subtle in nature, such that they may be more apparent to family members or other acquaintances than to the person being impacted directly. Some of these indicators consist of the following:

• A need to raise the volume on the TV or a radio
• Not responding to the sound of a ringing doorbell
• Asking other people to repeat what they just said
• Sitting closer to the front in small-group meetings
• Misunderstanding a question/responding incorrectly
• Asking callers to speak louder/clearer on the phone

There are essentially three types of hearing loss, defined by the part of the ear/auditory system that is affected:

• Conductive
  • sounds do not travel effectively through the ear canal, ear drum, and/or middle ear
• Sensorineural
  • there is damage to the inner ear (or cochlea) and/or the cochlear nerve to the brain
• Mixed
  • as it implies, this includes a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss

Hearing loss can be caused by any number of factors, including but not limited to:

• Age
• Perforated eardrum
• Hereditary factors/genetics
• Prolonged exposure to loud noises
• Excessive accumulation of ear wax
• Injuries sustained to the head or ear
• Infection/fluid collection in the middle ear

If some degree of hearing loss is suspected, whether through self-evaluation or based on feedback from a family member or friend, that individual is advised to contact a hearing loss specialist at a hearing clinic like Bravo Hearing Centre in Etobicoke. A Bravo hearing loss specialist will conduct an assessment, likely including a free hearing test, to determine the type, cause, and extent of the hearing loss as well as the best solution or course of action for the situation, and specifically whether hearing aid will be required.

A Hearing Clinic Offers More Than Free Hearing Tests and Hearing Aid Sales

Many situations involving hearing loss can be addressed through the use of hearing aids specifically designed and fitted for the respective patient. In such cases, a hearing loss specialist from a hearing clinic like Bravo Hearing Centre will recommend the right model to meet the individual patient’s needs and lifestyle preferences.

However, a full service hearing clinic offers much more than just free hearing tests and hearing aid sales. In addition to these services, Bravo Hearing Centre offers a wide range of support for hearing aid wearers, including:

• Follow-up care
• Aural rehabilitation
• Counseling services
• Onsite minor repairs
• Hearing aid evaluations
• Hearing aid accessories
• Assistive listening devices

If you suspect that you or a family member may be experiencing some hearing loss, call the specialists from Bravo Hearing Centre at 647-694-4626 to arrange a free hearing test and consultation today.