Hearing Health
Beltone Hearing Aid Centers
About Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be caused by a variety of things, and can happen to anyone. In fact, millions of people all around the world have some level of hearing loss. Oftentimes, it occurs gradually with age, or it can be caused by repeated exposure to loud noises and environments. At Beltone Hearing Aid Centers of western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota, we are here to help you learn more about hearing loss and navigate its challenges with our individualized, patient-centered care.
Types and Causes of Hearing Loss
While prolonged exposure to noise and the natural aging process are the most common reasons, there are many other issues that could result in hearing loss, including ear infections, head injuries and certain medications. It’s important to understand that you are not alone, and while it can be difficult to deal with, there is something you can do about it. The first step is learning more about your specific type and cause of hearing loss. Our practitioners at Beltone Hearing Aid Centers will help determine your unique situation and create a solution that will reconnect you with your surroundings to start living life to the fullest again.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus the name for a condition that causes the perception of sounds, like ringing in the ears, buzzing or hissing. These sounds are not present in the environment and can be perceived as quite loud. However, objective measurements show that the sounds are often fainter than that of a leaf falling to the ground. While that may not seem loud, the condition can often be debilitating or distracting to those who experience it.
What Should I Do If I Suspect Hearing Loss?
If you suspect you or a loved one may have hearing loss, ignoring or neglecting it is risky as it could allow the problem to progress*. Fortunately, treating it with solutions such as hearing aids helps improve listening ability as well as many aspects that influence overall quality of life**. Schedule a complimentary hearing consultation with a practitioner at your nearest Beltone Hearing Aid Center in the western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota area as soon as possible.
*Source: National Institute on Aging: Hearing Loss: A Common Problem for Older Adults
**Source: European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers’ Association (EHIMA) (2018). JapanTrak2018 (PowerPoint slides). Retrieved Aug 6, 2019 from https://www.ehima.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/JAPAN_Trak18.pdf.
Ferguson, M. A., Kitterick, P. T., Chong, L. Y., Edmondson‐Jones, M., Barker, F., & Hoare, D. J. (2017). Hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (9). retrieved from https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD012023.pub2/full