Newswise — Are you constantly saying "what" or asking people to repeat themselves? You might be missing out on more than you think and it may be a sign of hearing loss.
For Better Hearing and Speech Month, the House Ear Institute (HEI) is encouraging the public to think about how hearing impacts their every day life and to ask themselves the tough questions.
Here are some questions to think about:1. Do you struggle to understand a conversation?2. Does speech sound muffled? 3. Is it hard to understand people in noisy places like a restaurant?4. Do you turn the volume up on the television or radio to hear it better?
Answering yes to these questions may be warning signs of a hearing loss.
"The early warning signs of hearing loss can go unnoticed by the average person because often the changes are gradual," said Dr. William Slattery, director of clinical studies at the House Ear Institute and practicing physician in the House Ear Clinic. "We hope people will think about their daily habits to recognize even slight changes in their hearing ability."
Slattery recommends seeing an otolaryngologist (ENT) or otologist, if you suspect hearing loss or notice sudden changes in your hearing or have ear pain. Also, it is important to periodically have your hearing tested by a licensed audiologist.
Common hearing tests include the pure-tone threshold test (the traditional hearing test), the otoacoustic emissions ("OAE" ) test, speech audiometry and the Hearing in Noise Test ("HINT" ), which was developed by HEI scientists to assess how well you can hear speech in real world situations where background noise is present.
Permanent hearing loss can occur with repeated exposure to noise over 85 decibels, and when taking certain prescription or over the counter medications.
However, some types of hearing loss are caused by age, disease or other medical conditions. In some situations, there may be medical treatments available to restore hearing.
For consumers who want to learn more, the House Ear Institute is launching a virtual hearing conservation workshop. The unique interactive workshop will be available at its website, http://www.hei.org, in May.
For additional information, visit House Ear Institute's Sound Partners® program at http://www.hei.org or its new site for teens and young adults at http://www.earbud.org, where visitors can even request a free pair of earplugs.
About the House Ear InstituteThe House Ear Institute (HEI) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing hearing science through research and education to improve quality of life. HEI scientists investigate the cellular and molecular causes of hearing loss and related auditory disorders as well as neurological processes pertaining to the human auditory system and the brain. Our researchers also explore technology advancements to improve auditory implants, hearing aids, diagnostic techniques and rehabilitation tools. The Institute shares its knowledge with the scientific and medical communities as well as the general public through its education and outreach programs. For more information about HEI please call (800) 388-8612 or visit http://www.hei.org.
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