No matter what age you are, you can develop a hearing loss.  More than 24 million Americans have some type of hearing problem.  Hearing difficulties are often unrecognized or ignored by the person involved, but apparent to those around them.  There are multiple reasons a patient can have hearing loss (i.e. aging, noise exposure, genetics, ear fluid, ear bone malformaties, or ear wax).  Hearing loss usually comes on gradually but in less common cases it can  have a quicker onset. Whatever the reason or level of loss it might be time to regain one of your senses and improve your quality of life.

Not sure whether or not you need a hearing test? Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do I hear, but not understand what is being said to me?
2. Do many people seem to mumble?
3. Do I ask people to repeat themselves?
4. Do others tell me the television or radio is too loud?
5. Do I have problems hearing in groups, such as a business meeting, restaurant, or dinner party?
6. Do I tend to ask callers to speak up on the phone.
7. Do my family and friends accuse me of not hearing or paying attention to them?
8. Is it difficult for me to hear soft sounds, such as a dripping faucet?

If you answered "yes" to even one of these questions, consider scheduling a hearing exam with one of our otolaryngologists, Lawrence I. Katin, M.D. or Charles S. Gawthrop, M.D., and audiologist, Andrew A. Macielinski, Au.D.  at (610) 647-3710.  We can determine the degree and type of hearing loss you have.  At that time we will also determine if there is treatment for your hearing loss (10-15% of cases).  However, if your type of hearing loss is determined to be untreatable (85-90% of cases) then hearing aids might be recommended.