For adolescents it seems as though the days, weeks, and months drag on forever. Young people can’t wait for the school year to end and ultimately finish high school and get on with their lives. For adults, the years travel at a high rate of speed and we wish there was a way to slow down time.
One year blends into the next and so on. All with very little change for most us except for the facts of life in health and aging. With some people things never change. They have created their own abysmal orbit and slug along without purpose and direction.
No one should allow history to repeat itself. You have the opportunity to make a positive change, realize your destiny, and chart a new course in life. Getting older does not mean you are required to be a victim of the symptoms of aging.
However, you can make a conscientious decision to be proactive when it comes to your health. Start with a visit to your family physician for a complete physical examination, blood work, and all the necessary tests. The most important sense is hearing.
Your physician should consider referring you to a board-certified private practice audiologist for a complete audiological evaluation. If you have not had your hearing checked in the past two or three or ten years, now is the time. With the New Year already here, grab your 2016 calendar, pick up the telephone and schedule an appointment to seek professional medical guidance.
Upon arrival at the audiologist’s office, they will have you complete a patient information form and provide copies of your insurance cards to start a new chart. A case history will be taken to document any complaints related to your ears, hearing, and balance. Part of this investigation will look at tinnitus, vertigo, ear pain, ear drainage, ear surgery, and occurrence of sudden hearing loss. Next, an otoscopic inspection will be performed to determine any anomalies of the outer ear (external auditory meatus). Tympanometry with acoustic stapedial reflex testing will establish the current status of the middle ear. Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) testing assesses the three rows of outer hair cells in the cochlear (inner ear). Finally, pure tone and speech audiometry documents the current thresholds and function of your auditory system.
When the evaluation is complete, the audiologist will discuss the test results, provide recommendations, and answer all of your concerns. If amplification (hearing aids) is indicated, this professional will show you an array of applicable styles and explain the various levels of digital technology that will be correct for you.
You don’t have to be a victim and continue aimlessly in daily living. You can make a positive change in the quality of your everyday life with better hearing. Just because you are another year older doesn’t mean you are required to stay in the same old rut like some people you know. Do something today! 2016 does not have to be a repeat of 2015.
If you or someone you know suspects a hearing problem, pick up the telephone and schedule an appointment to see a board-certified private practice audiologist to start hearing better today!
How much longer will you suffer from poor hearing?