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Hearing is one of our most important senses. Approximately 14 million Americans sustain hearing loss sufficient to interfere with their daily activities. This suggests hearing impairment is one of America's leading health problems.
Hearing loss must be thought of as a symptom of an underlying condition or disease, and it should not be taken lightly. Nearly one-half of all adult hearing loss is related to genetic factors, but disease, noise trauma, and other illnesses and accidents contribute to the other one-half. Good health practice, and indeed the FDA, recommend if hearing loss is present in any form, you should consult with your primary health care provider. You should also seek medical attention if you experience tinnitus [ringing] or dizziness. Your primary physician will discuss with you your medical history, symptoms, and any of the many conditions which may produce hearing loss. He or she may suggest medical or surgical treatment, or refer you to physicians who specialize in diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. He or she may also refer you to an audiologist for a diagnostic evaluation of your hearing.
Hearing loss may occur at any age and may have many causes. Every case is unique. Hearing loss does not always appear in later years. Recently, our young [50 something] President Clinton, was fit with hearing aids. The president's personal physician believes Mr. Clinton's hearing loss began with noise trauma, which he experienced over many years.
When hearing loss is present, the best thing you can do is discuss the problem with your family physician. The worst thing you can do is run out on impulse and purchase a hearing aid. Hearing aids are not always the answer. You may want to delay a purchase until you have first received a professional opinion. Protect your ears! We are only issued two in this life!
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