The Male Health Center - Men & Hearing

Listen Up

What you can't hear can hurt you
Nearly 25 million Americans suffer from some degree of hearing loss, yet less than a quarter of them seek out the help of a hearing aid. In large part, that's because hearing usually fails gradually, over a number of years, making the problem difficult to recognize and even more difficult to accept. All too often, men refuse to seek help and let their hearing and joy in life fade away together.

Some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss include:

having to ask people to speak more slowly or more loudly, or to repeat what they said
having family members complain that you've turned the television or radio too loud
trouble understanding dialogue at the movie theatre
difficulty understanding conversations in groups or in situations with background noise, such as in the car
avoidance of social situations, isolation from family members, and sadness or depression

If several of these symptoms frequently apply to you, consider seeing a doctor and having your hearing checked by a certified audiologist.

Otolaryngologists are the ear, nose, and throat specialists who can determine if you have nerve deafness, an irreversible condition that causes 90 percent of hearing problems, or so-called conductive loss, which can be medically corrected. He or she will help you determine if a hearing aid is likely to help you hear better.

Look for an audiologist who has a CCC-A certificate (800-638-8255) or certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Services (313-478-5712). A careful hearing test does more than determine the extent of your hearing loss; it pinpoints the range in which your hearing is impaired—very important for selecting an appropriate hearing aid.

Hearing aids cost from about $500 to $2,000—no small investment. But better services will offer you a trial period (some states require it) to determine if the device really will improve your hearing. A second hearing test with the aid is the best way to make that judgment.

Unlike the bulky units of the past, modern hearing aids can be nearly invisible, hidden within the ear canal. Circuitry has also been added in some that dampens very loud noises—a frequent complaint of people who use hearing aids. But no hearing aid is yet able to screen out noise in favor of human voices.

Hearing is a prime example of something we don't fully appreciate until it's gone. So, guys, don't be a part of the majority that hasn't even checked into technology that can help. You hear me?

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