Hearing loss is more common than you might think, with over 1.5 billion people living with the condition globally. Common symptoms of hearing loss may include:
- Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves or speak more loudly
- Needing to turn up the volume on electronic devices, such as the television or radio
- Avoiding social gatherings or conversations due to difficulty hearing
- Ringing, buzzing or roaring sounds in the ears (tinnitus)
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, such as the ringing of a telephone or doorbell
- Feeling fatigued or stressed from straining to hear
If you’ve noticed one or more of these symptoms in you or someone you’re close to, it might be time to seek help from a hearing specialist. Understanding the steps of hearing loss treatment can help ease any worries you may have when beginning your journey.
Step One: Hearing Tests
The journey begins with a hearing test, where we determine your unique hearing profile. Through pure-tone testing, we find the quietest sounds you can hear across different pitches. It’s painless and easy—you simply respond when you hear a sound. The results are then plotted on an audiogram, giving us a visual map of your hearing abilities.
Step Two: Understanding the Results
Once we have your audiogram results, we’ll sit down with you to explain what they mean. We’ll classify your hearing loss and discuss the severity—from mild to profound—to help you understand your specific situation.
Step Three: Exploring Treatment Options
Treatment options vary depending on the type and cause of your hearing loss. For conductive hearing loss caused by blockages or other issues in the ear canal, solutions may include medication or surgical procedures. Sensorineural hearing loss, resulting from inner ear damage, may benefit from hearing aids to improve your quality of life.
Step Four: Embracing Hearing Aids
If hearing aids are the right choice for you, we’ll guide you through the process of finding the perfect fit. From behind-the-ear to in-the-canal options, we’ll explore what works best for your lifestyle. With advanced technology like Bluetooth® connectivity and noise suppression, your hearing aids will be tailored to your needs for maximum clarity.
Step Five: Take the Leap
Though the path to treating hearing loss may seem daunting, the rewards are immeasurable. Take the first step toward clearer hearing by reaching out to San Francisco Audiology for an appointment with one of our specialists.