October is Audiology Awareness Month
Contact: Dana McCoy
Hearing loss is an increasing health concern in this nation that is often preventable. Approximately 36 million Americans suffer from hearing loss, according to the American Academy of Audiology. More than half of the people with hearing loss are younger than age 65. Taking time to see an audiologist for regular hearing screenings and knowing the signs of hearing loss can protect your hearing. In response to the growing number of Americans suffering from hearing loss, CGH Audiology has joined the American Academy of Audiology to promote National Audiology Awareness Month this October.
"Hearing loss can be caused by exposure to loud noises, ear infections, trauma, or ear disease; harm to the inner ear and ear drum, illness or certain medications, and deterioration due to the normal aging process," explains Laurie Zollinger, CGH Audiologist. The amount of noise Americans are exposed to today plays an important role in the recent increase of hearing loss across the nation. It is no longer just a health concern for seniors.
Have you stopped going to restaurants and social gatherings? Do you keep to yourself when in noisy environments? If you answered yes, you may have a hearing problem. Some tell signs of hearing loss are: trouble hearing conversation in a noisy environment such as restaurants, difficulty or inability to hear people talking to you without looking at them, and/or a constant pain or ringing in your ears.
On average, most Americans don't know how to recognize the first signs of hearing loss or which health professional is qualified to diagnose and treat the condition. If you think you may have a hearing loss, you need to see an audiologist.
An audiologist is a licensed and clinically experienced health-care professional who specializes in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating people with hearing loss and balance disorders. The first step in treatment of a hearing problem is to get your hearing evaluated by an audiologist. A hearing evaluation will determine the degree of hearing loss you have and what can be done. Although most hearing loss is permanent, an audiologist can determine the best treatment, which may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and hearing rehabilitation.
CGH Medical Center’s audiologists have been serving the needs of the hearing impaired in our community for over 30 years. At CGH Audiology, our goal is to help you. If you have a hearing loss, better hearing can help you to enjoy life more and feel safer. If you are experiencing problems with dizziness and balance we may be able to reduce or eliminate the dizziness. Ask your doctor for a referral to CGH Main Clinic Audiology.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Mary Martin, AuD, FAAA or Laurie Zollinger, AuD, FAAA at CGH Main Clinic Audiology Services 815.632.5400.