May is Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM). The goal of BHSM is to highlight the importance of early detection and intervention for speech, language, and hearing disorders, and to promote public understanding of these issues. By taking action to better your hearing, you will be able to better connect to family, friends, and those around you.
In this blog post, we will highlight 5 common hearing problems, and how they can impact other areas of one’s health and well-being.
1. Sensorineural Hearing Loss: This is a common type of hearing loss caused by damage to the hair cells in the inner ear. Audiologists can diagnose and treat this type of hearing loss with hearing aids or cochlear implants.
2. Conductive Hearing Loss: This type of hearing loss occurs when sound is not conducted efficiently through the outer or middle ear. Audiologists can help by recommending treatments such as medication, surgery or hearing aids.
3. Tinnitus: Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears that is often associated with hearing loss. Audiologists can diagnose and manage tinnitus with a variety of treatments, including sound therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
4. Auditory Processing Disorders:These are problems with how the brain processes sound. Audiologists can diagnose and treat these disorders with various auditory training exercises and therapies.
5. Balance Disorders: Audiologists can also diagnose and treat balance disorders that are related to the inner ear. They may recommend exercises or other treatments to improve balance and reduce dizziness
Hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Hearing loss can make it difficult to communicate with others, listen to music, or enjoy social activities. Tinnitus can be distracting and disruptive, affecting a person’s ability to concentrate or sleep. Balance disorders can affect a person’s ability to move around safely, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.
Early detection and intervention for these issues are crucial. Audiologists can help diagnose the type and severity of hearing loss or tinnitus and recommend appropriate treatments, such as hearing aids or sound therapy. They can also assess balance problems and recommend exercises or other treatments to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.
It’s important to note that hearing loss and balance disorders can also be symptoms of underlying medical conditions, such as Meniere’s disease or acoustic neuroma. Therefore, it’s essential to seek the help of a healthcare professional if you notice any changes in your hearing or balance.
Overall, Better Hearing and Speech Month serves as an important reminder to prioritize our hearing, speech, and language health. Regular hearing and balance screenings, along with prompt intervention for any detected issues, can improve our quality of life and overall well-being. At Lake Shore Audiology, our experienced audiologists help provide hearing and balance testings, and can help treat any hearing problem you may be encountering. Contact us today [link to contact] to schedule an appointment or call our office at 716-674-4188.
