Hearing Aids & Hearing Loss Services in San Antonio, Austin, Plano, Round Rock, Boerne, Kerrville, and Fredericksburg
Most people have never been to an audiologist until they have personally experienced hearing problems or have a loved one who is having difficulty hearing. Many of our prospective and first-time patients have questions about the services we offer and how we can assist them. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about audiology. These will tell you a little more about what audiology is and hearing loss in general.
If you would like to speak with a knowledgeable member of our team directly, call (210) 451-0373 to schedule an appointment with an audiologist at any of our locations.
Just like your primary physician, eye doctor, and dentist, you should have a regular schedule for visiting an audiologist. Hearing loss is the most common health problem in the U.S., and its early stages are difficult to detect without professional help. You can take measures to prevent hearing loss by receiving annual audiology checkups. Many people do not realize that an audiologist visit should be part of their regular care routine. Some common reasons people make their first visit with an audiologist include:
- Excessive earwax buildup
- Frequent bouts of dizziness caused by inner ear problems
- Regularly hearing a dull or loud ringing noise even when no sounds are present (tinnitus)
- They suspect they have hearing loss
As mentioned above, the early stages of hearing loss are difficult to notice, and the best way to monitor your hearing is to regularly have an audiology checkup. Keeping track of your hearing health can help you preserve your hearing into old age. Here are some common signs that someone has hearing loss:
- Listening to the TV at loud volumes
- Difficulty hearing public speakers
- Difficulty hearing teachers in class
- Difficulty answering simple questions
- Difficulty hearing consonant sounds like “sh” and “ch”
- Frequently complaining that people mumble too much
- Difficulty hearing people close to you in crowded places
Yes! Your inner ear is also home to the vestibular system, which regulates balance. If you experience frequent bouts of dizziness or vertigo, an audiologist can determine whether or not an inner ear disorder is responsible.
There is no “cure” for most forms of hearing loss. The condition is usually caused by natural wear and tear over time. However, treatment is still available through hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other listening devices.
The answer to this question depends on many factors, but there are many steps you can take to protect your ears and possibly prevent the severe hearing loss that is common in seniors. By discussing your lifestyle with an audiologist, you can learn which aspects of your life may affect your hearing and receive recommendations on how to practice hearing conservation.
This depends on the cause of your hearing loss. While most permanent forms of hearing loss require hearing devices for treatment, there are some instances in which the condition can be treated with medication or surgery.
First, you will need to undergo an audiological evaluation to make sure that a hearing aid is an appropriate treatment for your condition. Once an audiologist has assessed your hearing, they can recommend a hearing aid that best addresses your needs.
