Our ears are always on, just like the sounds around us. Cell phones ringing, people chatting, dogs barking, traffic rumbling, birds chirping — there’s so much going on, but which of these sounds can you identify? It’s important to take a moment and simply listen to the world around you.
Our brain allows us to identify and interpret different sounds and to focus on what we want to hear. It can instantly recognize the voice of a loved one, or allows you to quietly read a book without recognizing the background sounds. So despite sound being constantly on, it’s our brain that decides which sounds to switch on and off!
Sometimes, it doesn’t work that way. Sometimes, our brain can’t identify a sound because our ear can’t hear it to begin with! Are you aware of the sounds that you can’t hear?
It's a sign
How do you know if you have hearing loss? Ask yourself these questions... and answer them truthfully!
1. Do you have to turn the volume up on the television?
2. Do you hear, but not necessarily understand what others are saying?
3. Do you have trouble following conversations in busy places?
4. Do you often ask people to repeat sentences?
What to do?
If you’ve answered yes to one or more of the above questions, speak to a hearing care professional and take the first step in the right direction
Where to go?
Hearing loss is not uncommon and nothing to be afraid of. We’re here to help you. The quicker you get an expert opinion, the better your quality of life will be.
There are several experts you can talk to who will assess your hearing based on a hearing test, and determine what steps to take on your venture to better hearing:
The Audiologist
A highly trained health care professional that holds a doctorate degree and is recognized in for their specialty in testing hearing and providing solutions for hearing health care.
ENT physician
A physician who specializes in medical issues regarding the ear, nose and throat (ENT). May also be referred to as Otologist, Otolaryngologist and neuro-Otologist are alternative names. Ask your family doctor for further details.
Hearing Aid Professional
A hearing aid professional is trained to fit hearing aids. They specialize in the details of a hearing aids functionality rather than that of diagnostic.