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April 12, 2006
Hearing loss signs
The chime of church bells, your favorite song on the radio, a baby's laugh... These are all sounds you'd miss if you couldn't hear. Unfortunately, live long enough and you're almost guaranteed to have some loss of hearing. Dr. Vernon Stensland, Sioux Valley Clinic ENT says, "In South Dakota, a lot of industrial farm type noise exposure. And as most South Dakotans get older, hearing loss because of aging is probably going to be the most common."
So how do you know if you have a hearing problem? Here are some clues: You may want to see a doctor if you're having trouble hearing when there's background noise. Or if you notice yourself always asking people to repeat things. Your hearing could also be a problem if you need to *listen* to those around you, even if you think you can hear them. Dr. Stensland says, "A lot of times a spouse or coworker will notice that someone doesn't quite understand as well as they used to. And frequently tell them they need to have ti checked, almost realize it before the patient himself does."
Many people don't even realize they have hearing loss until it's too late. That's why if you or someone around you notices a change in your hearing, it's important to have it checked out.
If you're already missing out on hearing, there are some ways to re-capture the sound. For some, the answer is surgery.
But most cases can be successfully treated with a hearing aid. Aids can be worn behind the ear, or placed in different places inside the ear.
Source: http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail2820.cfm?Id=0,47322
Posted by 4HL on April 12, 2006 3:16 AM
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