What to do if you think you have hearing loss

Audiologist Versus Hearing Aid Dispenser: What is the difference?There are vast differences in the professional roles in diagnosing and treatment of hearing loss. It is still common today for someone to get screened, tested, or fitted with a hearing aid by someone and still not know what qualifications that person had. How do you know who you can trust? An important distinction to understand when treating your hearing loss is the difference between an Audiologist and a hearing aid dispenser. An Audiologist is a Doctor of Audiology who is extensively trained in the science of hearing; while a hearing aid dispenser applies for a license after meeting some basic requirements (see below).Audiologist: An Audiologist is trained to diagnose, treat and monitor disorders of the hearing and balance system. They are trained in anatomy and physiology, amplification devices, cochlear Implants, electrophysiology, acoustics, psychophysics and auditory rehabilitation. Doctors of Audiology complete, at a minimum, an undergraduate and doctoral level degree in audiology, as well as a supervised externship prior to state licensure and national certification. This usually requires 8 years of post-secondary education (4 years of college and 4 years of graduate school). The graduate school years focus on the medical, diagnostic and rehabilitative aspects of hearing loss, hearing aids and the vestibular system. Upon completion of training, Audiologists must also pass a national standardized examination in order to be eligible for state licensure. Continuing education requirements must be met in order for an Audiologist to maintain state licensure.Hearing Aid Dispenser: A hearing aid dispenser is licensed to perform audiometric testing for the sole purpose of selling and fitting hearing aids. In order to obtain a license, hearing aid dispensers are required to pass an exam. Prior to taking the exam, certain requirements must be met, which vary from state to state. In many states, hearing aid dispensers are only required to have a high school diploma. In other states, hearing aid dispensers must complete two years of college or post-secondary education in any field prior to applying for licensure. Some states require completion of distance learning coursework prior to taking the exam.In summary, the requirement for state licensure to dispense hearing aids is based on the minimum education necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of the patient. The differences in education required for Audiologists versus hearing aid dispensers reflect the significantly larger range of professional practices that Audiologists are permitted to engage in.Audiologists are highly trained degree professionals. Audiologists receive extensive training in assessment of hearing, diagnosis, fitting and adjustment of hearing aids that helps to ensure:         An accurate diagnosis;         An appropriate treatment plan of intervention;         A positive outcome from the hearing aid. At Naro Audiology & Hearing Solutions, our mission is to provide professional audiological services and hearing health care while developing excellent rapport with our patients by giving individualized attention and personal, compassionate care. We do our best to accurately test and diagnose every patient.  For the hearing impaired, we seek to improve quality of life and maximize communication by listening to the patients' needs, accurately diagnosing their hearing loss and providing a vast array of communication solutions and cutting edge technologies to meet the needs of the patient.  Naro Audiology serves Bay Minette, Brewton, Fairhope, and Foley.  Contact Naro Audiology at 251-758-4326.  We are hear for you!

Hearing loss is often thought of as a natural part of getting older that only affects a persons ability to hear sound. What many people dont realize is the significant emotional toll it can take on a person as well. From embarrassment to anger and even feeling like a burden, the potential emotional impact of hearing loss can be profound.  In this article, we address the unseen side of hearing loss, exploring the emotional struggles it can bring, and provide tips and strategies to help manage these situations. Embarrassment or Loss of Self-Esteem Untreated hearing loss can chip away at your confidence in surprising ways. Struggling to follow conversations, missing important information, or asking people to repeat themselves can feel humiliating. It can lead to a feeling of being on the outside looking in, which erodes confidence in social and professional settings. It is also common for hearing loss to be associated with aging, which can be a source of embarrassment for many people. This can lead to a reluctance to acknowledge or address the issue, further impacting a persons sense of adequacy and personal relationships due to poor communication. These factors quickly lead to a significant decline in self-esteem, isolation, and depression. Stress or AnxietyHearing loss isnt just about missing sounds; it can be a daily battle to keep up. This ongoing effort can turn into a significant source of stress or anxiety about missing important information or being left out of conversations.  Additionally, hearing loss often progresses slowly, and the uncertainty about how much worse it will get can further contribute to these feelings of anxiety. According to a recent study, the chance of having anxiety is 32% greater for those with mild hearing loss and 59% greater for moderate or higher levels of hearing loss.  This constant state of tension can take a toll on your overall well-being. It can make it difficult to concentrate, relax, or even sleep, further impacting your emotional state. Tips and Management Strategies:Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing exercises or meditation can help manage stress and anxiety in everyday situations. Staying active and getting regular physical activity can also help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Take control of your hearing health: Ongoing hearing care like having regular checkups and using your hearing aids every day puts you in control of your health. By taking these steps, you can manage your hearing loss effectively, reducing the anxiety of unexpected struggles and empowering you to stay engaged in daily life.Use wireless hearing aid accessories: Various wireless hearing aid accessories are available to help you hear more clearly in specific situations. Explore options like wireless remote/partner microphones and remote controls to give your hearing aid a boost in difficult environments.Frustration or Anger Straining to understand, only catching fragments of conversations, and missing important information can be a daily reality for people with hearing loss. Conversations that were once effortless may now require intense concentration. This mental strain can lead to feelings of aggravation, especially in situations where clear communication is important. This frustration may be felt by the person with hearing loss and the communication partner. Daily hearing frustrations can take a toll, leading to feelings of annoyance or anger with others or even with oneself. Its important to remember that anger is a natural response to loss. However, letting it fester can damage relationships and hinder your well-being. Tips and Management Strategies:Find healthy outlets for anger: Exercise, journaling, or creative pursuits can be a healthy way to release pent-up emotions.Seek professional support: If anger is overwhelming and impacting your daily life, consider talking to a medical professional who can help you find healthy coping mechanisms. Disconnection and Loneliness Hearing loss can be a thief, stealing not just sounds but also your sense of connection to the world around you. Conversations become an effort, filled with misunderstandings, embarrassment, and defeat. The joy of chatting with colleagues, the energy of lively debates, the comfort of catching up with a friend all these can fade when hearing loss makes communication unpredictable.  Communication difficulty may lead to hesitation to engage in social situations, or stopping altogether. It can also lead to avoiding things like small talk or phone calls. All of which fosters a deep sense of disconnection from the world around you. We are social creatures who crave meaningful connections, and this feeling of disconnection can be particularly painful.Tips and Management Strategies:Join a support group: Remember, youre not alone. Connecting with others who understand your challenges can be incredibly helpful. Sharing your experiences and learning from others can offer solace and support.Wear your hearing aids regularly: Daily hearing aid use can significantly improve day-to-day communication, strengthen connections, and combat feelings of isolation. Remember, theres a whole world out there waiting to be heard and experienced. Dont let hearing loss keep you from being a part of it. Feeling Like a Burden For some people, hearing loss can introduce a heavy weight into daily interactions. The need to constantly ask people to repeat themselves can be a source of self-consciousness and frustration for both the person with hearing loss and the communication partner. Worrying about annoying others or seeming incapable can lead to a feeling of being a burden on the conversation.  Hearing loss can also chip away at your sense of self-reliance. You might need help in situations you used to handle effortlessly, like ordering a meal at your favorite restaurant. Over time, this dependence can reinforce the feeling of being a burden, creating a negative cycle. Tips and Management Strategies:Seek support: Talk to a therapist or counselor specializing in hearing loss. They can help you manage the emotional impact and develop coping mechanisms and communication strategies for you and your communication partners.Embrace self-advocacy: Dont be afraid to politely ask people to speak clearly, face you directly, or rephrase something if you miss it. Most people are happy to accommodate you once they understand the situation.Dont forget youre amazing: Acknowledge your challenges but also recognize and celebrate your strengths. Youre not being a burden; youre taking control of your health and managing your hearing loss.  Hearing loss is an incredibly common condition that can affect nearly every aspect of our lives but it doesnt have to define you. The hearing care specialists at Audibel are here to provide the personalized care you deserve. We want to empower you to take charge of your hearing health and reclaim your emotional well-being. To take the next step towards rediscovering the joy of hearing, schedule an appointment at your nearest Audibel clinic today.

Hearing loss is often thought of as an inconvenience, making it difficult to follow conversations or hear the television. But did you know that hearing loss can also have a significant impact on your physical well-being? From balance problems to cognitive decline, this article explores the ways hearing loss can affect your physical health. The Link Between Hearing Loss and Physical HealthHearing loss affects around 48 million people in the United States alone. These statistics are made even more alarming by new research that shows a direct connection between hearing loss and poorer physical health, especially in older adults. Below, we look at how untreated hearing loss can impact physical health and daily quality of life.Issues with Balance, Dizziness, and VertigoOur inner ear is not only responsible for hearing but is also an important component of balance. We rely on sounds in our environment, like traffic noise or footsteps, to help us stay oriented and aware of our surroundings. Without these auditory cues, the brains ability to process spatial information is diminished, leading to instability and issues maintaining equilibrium.Additionally, the inner ear houses the auditory system, responsible for hearing, and the vestibular system, which helps us maintain balance. Damage to the inner ear can affect both these systems, resulting in hearing loss and balance issues like dizziness, vertigo, and even nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can make it incredibly challenging to go about daily life, as physical activity can worsen the effects. Increased Risk of FallsSimilarly, hearing loss is also associated with an increased risk of falls, especially among older adults. In fact, research shows that even mild degrees of hearing loss can triple the risk of falls. As we covered above, damage to the inner ear can significantly impact special awareness and balance, both of which elevate the risk of falling. However, the impact doesnt stop there. Hearing loss also puts extra strain on the brain. As the brain expends more energy trying to process sound, it diverts cognitive resources away from other functions like maintaining balance. This can significantly contribute to instability and a higher risk of falls. TinnitusA common condition associated with hearing loss is tinnitus, which is a ringing, buzzing, or humming in one or both ears. Some people also experience an uncomfortable feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears.The persistent ringing or buzzing sounds can also be distracting and frustrating to experience regularly. For many people tinnitus can make it challenging to fall asleep, stay focused, or fully engage in conversations, greatly impacting quality of life. Brain AtrophyA growing body of research has found a direct link between hearing loss and brain atrophy (shrinkage), particularly in the temporal lobe4. The temporal lobe is responsible for many cognitive functions including memory and critical thinking.  Just like any muscle in the body needs exercise, our brains need stimulation to function correctly. When hearing loss goes untreated, the brain is deprived of the sound stimulation it needs to stay healthy. Over time, this lack of auditory stimulation can lead to brain tissue shrinkage.  As we discussed earlier, hearing loss also forces the brain to work harder to process sounds. This constant effort can take a toll on cognitive resources. Studies suggest this cognitive strain also contributes to accelerated brain tissue shrinkage. Increased Risk of DementiaAs mentioned above, hearing loss can lead to brain tissue atrophy (shrinkage) in the temporal lobe. This shrinkage is one of the leading explanations linking hearing loss and dementia4.  Research shows that even mild degrees of hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia, moderate hearing loss triples the risk, and severe hearing loss increases the likelihood of dementia by five times. In addition to memory loss, late-stage dementia can also have a significant impact on physical health:Mobility problemsLoss of the ability to speak Bladder incontinenceBowel incontinenceWeight lossTrouble swallowingAnd more Decreased Physical ActivityA 2021 study found a link between hearing loss and a more sedentary lifestyle due to a couple of factors7. First, difficulty in hearing what is going on around you can make it challenging to exercise effectively or engage in certain physical activities. Additionally, hearing loss often causes mental fatigue, communication issues, and social withdrawal, all of which can also discourage regular physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle can set off a domino effect of negative physical health concerns8. From maintaining blood sugar and cholesterol levels to supporting healthy blood pressure and circulation, exercise is essential for our overall well-being. Decreased physical activity also increases the risk of developing chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and more.Safeguard Your Health Schedule a Hearing Exam at an Audibel Clinic Near You Hearing loss affects so much more than your auditory senses; it can impact your physical health, too. From balance issues to an increased risk of falls and even heart disease, the physical effects of hearing loss are incredibly far-reaching. By investing in your hearing health, youre investing in your overall well-being. Find an Audibel clinic near you today to take the first step toward safeguarding your health and quality of life for years to come.