Locations

Marshall,TX | Longview, TX | San Antonio, TX.

Call Us

(903) 524-5456

Two women, one wearing headphones, and company logo.
Picture of Dusty Potter

Dusty Potter

Need More Information

Should You Get an Annual Hearing Test?

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

You probably realize how important it is to have an annual check up, or to see the dentist every year. You may not realize you also need to have your hearing checked regularly. If you are over 50, or have hearing loss symptoms this is especially true for you.

Getting Your Hearing Tested

You may think getting a hearing test is for someone who has issues with their hearing, however there are quite a few scenarios where you may develop hearing problems without even realizing it.

Changes in the Inner Ear

There are small, not visible to the human eye fibers called cilia in the cochlea of the inner ear. This tiny organ contains fluid that maintains the balance of the body and controls how sound waves impact the auditory nerves. On top of each cilia strand is a stereocilia. These stereocilia move and vibrate when sound waves enter the ear, they then pass along these signals to the auditory nerve, which then sends to the brain for interpretation – What are you hearing? A drum, a train? The brain interprets the signal from the inner ear.

Aging causes the cilia and the stereocilia to shrink and potentially die. As they shrink you have fewer fibers to move and vibrate when the sounds enter your ear. In the beginning, you may notice small changes in sound levels and clarity, but after some time the changes become more noticeable.

Getting an annual hearing test as these changes begin to occur will allow you to establish a baseline and can be monitored for more extreme changes in hearing.

Hearing Loss as a Result to Noise Pollution

Do you live in a noisy neighborhood? Have you worked at an industrial job with lots of noise? Maybe you have worked in loud musical environments. Frequent exposure to long-term noise above a certain decibel level can cause hearing loss, this type of hearing loss can compound in old age. If you are experiencing normal age related hearing loss, but have been exposed to loud noise environments the hearing loss can be exacerbated.

If you have worked or lived in these types of noisy environments it’s important to have your hearing tested, especially as you age.

Injuries to the Head and Ears

Have you suffered a concussion, multiple concussions, or other blows to the head? Been in a car accident or other situation that caused head injury? These types of injuries may cause hearing loss. The hearing loss is a result of damage to the ears or auditory nerves. Hearing loss from injuries is out of your control.

If your cochlea is the source of injury it’s possible to have your hearing restored with an implant. Auditory injuries don’t always fully heal, escalating the natural hearing loss you would have experienced later in life. As a result, you may have to wear a hearing aid or other device to hear better. A doctor can repair your auditory damage only up to a certain point, and then you may need to rely on supportive and assistive devices to hear.

If you have experienced concussions, or other head injuries it’s important to have an annual hearing exam. In the case of head trauma and hearing your may not experience any loss or you may experience a rapid change in hearing some time after your injury. Delayed hearing loss happens more often than you think with these types of injuries.

What if my hearing test finds hearing loss?

If you do find from your test that you are experiencing hearing loss, don’t worry. There are many avenues to getting your hearing back where you want it. Hearing devices are available in multiple types and styles.

Technology has advanced to this point – there are tiny hearing aids that fit inside the ear canal. These devices operate through a tiny “antenna” that lets you to retrieve the hearing aid with a fingernail when you take it out at night. These hearing devices use Bluetooth and wireless technology for convenience.

There are other options, such as exterior ear hearing devices, in ear canal aids, and behind-the-ear models. The closer the hearing aids sit to your eardrum, the smaller and more compact the receivers and transmitters become.

Diagnosed Deaf or Really Hard of Hearing? You have Options.

If you cannot hear and decipher most sounds, you may be legally deaf. It’s important to be tested professionally to determine this designation. You could be disabled due to you lack of hearing.

The most important thing is to get you hearing again. A hearing care specialist can still help you if you can’t hear well or hear at all to diagnose your hearing and determine with you what avenue to pursue in terms of hearing devices that best fit your lifestyle and needs

If you are deaf or hard of hearing it’s important to have your hearing screened regularly. The parts of your ear responsible for motion, balance and more need to be monitored in order to stay healthy and safe and determine any further deterioration as time progresses.

Come See Us When You’re Ready for Your Next Hearing Exam!

Related Articles

a magnifying glass showing the word protect
Knowledge Base
Rob Kirkland

Protect Your Hearing: A Guide from Puretone Aid Center

In the vast sea of human senses, hearing often falls in the shadows of sight. However, it’s important to note that approximately one-third of adults aged 60 and above experience some level of hearing loss. This invisible ailment has significant repercussions on the quality of life, leading to problems with communication, social isolation, and cognitive decline. Enter Puretone Aid Center, a pioneer in the hearing healthcare arena, dedicated to enhancing the audio experiences of older adults, and enabling them to cherish the symphony of life. Understanding Hearing Loss The ear is a miraculous organ that captures soundwaves transforming them into electrical signals that our brain interprets. However, hearing loss comes into play when this process is disrupted. This could be due to a variety of reasons such as exposure to loud sounds, aging, ear infections, or genetic factors. The manifestation of hearing loss can range from mild to profound, affecting either one or both ears. Prevention Tips for Hearing Loss Adversarial noise exposure is a leading contributor to hearing loss. While it’s impossible to control all noise sources, one can take necessary actions like wearing earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, and limiting time spent in noisy environments. Further, certain lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy diet, also play a crucial part in safeguarding your auditory prowess. Hearing Aids 101: An Overview Hearing aids, as the moniker suggests, are high-tech devices designed to amplify sound, making it easier for individuals with hearing loss to hear better and communicate more effectively. At Puretone Aid Center, various types of hearing aids catering to bespoke needs are available. They can be a game-changer, breathing new life into muted worlds, and restoring the joy of hearing to individuals. Regular Hearing Screenings Crossing the 60-year milestone calls for more frequent hearing screenings. Regular checkups enable early detection, timely intervention, and effective treatment. Puretone Aid Center offers comprehensive hearing screenings, carried out by experienced audiologists, ensuring your hearing stays at its finest. In conclusion, it is essential to prioritise your hearing health, enhancing not just your personal wellbeing but also your relationships and overall quality of life. Puretone Aid Center is devoted to serving your auditory needs and is a phone call away for more guidance, assistance, or to schedule an all-important hearing check. Come, embrace the sound of life with us!

Read More »
a stethoscope and a cardboard cutout of a heart
Knowledge Base
Rob Kirkland

Linking Heart Health & Hearing Loss: Insights from Puretone

Researchers have long understood that our body systems are interconnected, impacting one another in ways that aren’t always easily seen. Recent studies, including research done by the experts at Puretone, bring to light an intriguing connection: the link between heart health and hearing loss. With much of our audience being over 60, understanding these links will help you maintain your quality of life. Understanding The Basics Heart health, the optimal functioning of the heart, is vital for our body’s overall wellbeing. The heart circulates oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body, ensuring each organ functions properly. Similarly, hearing loss, affecting over 1 in 3 adults over 65, isn’t just about a loss in volume. It’s the result of damage to any part of the auditory system, with potential causes ranging from noise exposure to age-related degeneration. When it comes to understanding these complexities, Puretone is a leading name in the field. Armed with years of research and a team of experts, Puretone offers comprehensive hearing care solutions, highlighting the importance of an interdisciplinary approach. Understanding The Link Between Heart Health & Hearing Loss Puretone research underscores the relationship between heart health and the auditory system. Poor cardiovascular health can hamper the flow of blood, and thereby oxygen, to the inner ear, which may contribute to hearing loss. Key terms for understanding this relationship include ‘Cardiovascular System’, referring to the heart and blood vessels, and ‘Auditory System’, comprising parts of the ear involved in hearing. Implications Of Poor Heart Health On Auditory Function According to Puretone’s insights, poor heart health could significantly contribute to the progression of hearing problems. Studies, like one from Curhan et al. (2018), have found correlations between cardiovascular disease and hearing loss. It’s suggested that the decrease in blood supply can damage the sensitive hairs in the inner ear, compromising their ability to pick up sound. Preventative Measures & Coping Mechanisms Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle often goes hand-in-hand with protecting hearing health. Regular exercise helps maintain optimal blood flow; likewise, a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, like the Mediterranean diet, is a good choice. For those already experiencing hearing loss, tools like hearing aids can provide significant improvements. How To Detect Warning Signs Early Changes in hearing, like difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments, can often be early warning signs. Likewise, irregularities in heart health – shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or light-headedness – need attention. Regular check-ups are crucial to detect these changes early. The link between heart health and hearing loss is undeniable. Neglecting heart health can lead to severe implications for hearing – and Puretone’s research shows we can’t ignore it. However, with regular check-ups and the right lifestyle choices, one can lead a quality life, even with hearing loss. If you suspect any issues with your heart health or hearing, remember that we at Puretone Hearing Aid Center are here to help.

Read More »