Prioritize Your Hearing Health with Expert Care

The first indications of hearing loss are usually finding it necessary to ask others to repeat themselves, raising the volume of the TV or phone beyond what other people like, having difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments such as restaurants, and being aware that people are speaking in a mumbled way. It is also possible that a ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus) may serve as an early warning sign. Since these changes tend to happen slowly, most individuals do not notice them until a member of their family mentions them. The best method of finding out if there is a hearing loss and how severe it is is to have a hearing evaluation.

It is suggested by most hearing health organizations that you have a baseline hearing test when you are 50 and then get it checked again once or three times every year, or more often if you notice any changes in your hearing. Those individuals who have risk factors such as having been exposed to loud noise or having a family history of hearing loss might find it useful to have their hearing tested more frequently. As hearing loss generally progresses slowly, regular testing is helpful in detecting changes early, since treatment options are usually most effective at that stage. An audiologist will be able to advise you on a hearing test schedule that is suitable for you.

Hearing loss and tinnitus are related but not identical; tinnitus involves the perception of ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds and is usually due to the same kind of damage to the inner ear that leads to hearing loss. It is possible, however, for tinnitus to occur even when there is no measurable hearing loss, and in some cases people have hearing loss but do not have any noticeable tinnitus. Since the two conditions so often go hand in hand, it is generally advised that anyone with new or persistent tinnitus should have a hearing evaluation.

It cannot be determined whether hearing loss can be reversed unless the cause is known; hearing loss caused by excess earwax, fluid, or some infections is usually temporary and often improves a great deal with treatment, whereas age-related or noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss is generally permanent since it results from damage to the hair cells in the inner ear and these cells do not regenerate. Even in cases where the hearing loss is permanent, hearing aids or other devices can greatly improve hearing and quality of life even though the original damage is not reversed. An audiologist can find out what kind of hearing loss you have and what is the cause of it so as to tell you what is possible in your case.

Custom-molded earplugs usually offer a more reliable and comfortable fit than ready-made foam or universal-fit plugs since they are made to match the shape of your individual ear canal, which in turn makes it more likely that you will use them properly over time. Although off-the-shelf earplugs can still give a useful level of noise reduction when inserted correctly, a bad fit means that they will block less noise. For individuals who need to wear hearing protection regularly—such as musicians, hunters, or those who work with noisy equipment—custom plugs are often worth the cost because of the comfort and reliability they provide. A specialist in hearing problems can provide you with custom protection suited to your particular requirements.

The audiology team at Boulder Valley ENT carries out thorough hearing assessments and fitting of hearing aids at its offices in Boulder, Louisville, and Lafayette, Colorado. The audiologists employed by the practice have doctorates in audiology and are licensed in Colorado. Patients can telephone the office or request an appointment online to arrange a hearing test.