Don’t Lose It!

The following hearing loss tips will help you keep the hearing you do have and slow the inevitable hearing loss that accompanies aging.

  • Be aware of and avoid harmful, loud noises that come from lawn mowers, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and machinery.
  • Use hearing protectors such as earplugs or earmuffs. Cotton balls do not offer much protection.
  • Control the volume in your environment and seek quieter alternatives to noisy devices.
  • Never stick a pointy object into your ear to remove earwax.
  • Ask your pharmacist or doctor if the medications you are taking can cause hearing loss.
  • Blow your nose gently through both nostrils.
  • Yawn frequently during air travel, especially when the plane is landing.

    Source: WebMD

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    Self-Assessment Hearing Test

    The onset of hearing loss is usually very gradual. It may take place over 25 to 30 years, or it may happen more rapidly if you are exposed to loud noises at work or through hobbies. Because it usually does occur slowly, you may not even be aware you have a problem until someone else brings it to your attention. Here is a simple test you can take to determine whether you have a hearing problem.

    {1}      Do you have to turn the volume up on the television?

    {2}      Do you frequently have to ask others to repeat what they are saying?

    {3}      Do you have difficulty understanding what others are saying when in groups or in noisy situations?

    {4}      Do you have to sit up front in meetings or in church in order to understand what’s being said?

    {5}      Do you have difficulty understanding women or young children?

    {6}      Do you have trouble knowing from which direction sounds originate?

    {7}      Are you unable to understand a person who is speaking to you from another room?

    {8}      Have others told you that you don't seem to hear them?

    {9}      Do you avoid family meetings or social situations because you can't understand what’s being said?

    {10}    Do you have ringing or other noises in your ears?

     

    Scoring:

  • If you answered yes to less than three of the questions, no significant hearing loss is present.
  • If you answered yes to between three and five questions, you may have a slight hearing problem.*
  • If you answered yes to between five and seven questions, you may have a moderate hearing problem.*
  • If you answered yes to more than seven questions, you may have a significant hearing problem.*

    *In order to determine the exact degree of hearing loss, you should have your hearing evaluated by a licensed hearing professional.

    Source: Hearing Loss Association of America

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