Hearing Loss: Seek Help Early

Senior-Circle-Hearing-LossFrom the 2011 Spring Senior Circle publication

When it comes to hearing loss, time matters, according to James Turk, DO, an Otolaryngologist – ear, nose and throat specialist. “Patients who don’t seek help early on can experience changes in the way they process speech and sounds. They can actually lose the ability to understand words,” said audiologist Michele Watts, AuD, with Associated Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists “It’s like a muscle. If you don’t exercise your hearing, your processing of speech may slow down,” she said.

Though hearing loss affects approximately 17 percent of American adults, it doesn’t mean you’re old, said Watts. “Even babies can be diagnosed with hearing loss. Plus, not all hearing loss is permanent, so an early and accurate diagnosis is important.”

The path to better hearing begins with a painless examination to detect any medical reasons behind the impairment and determine if medication or surgery can help, said Turk. The next step would be a hearing test to determine the level and type of hearing loss and suggest solutions.

There are a number of ways to improve hearing, including assistive devices that are very affordable and help to improve hearing on the telephone, while watching TV or when in a group setting, according to Watts. “If a hearing aid is a patient’s best option, they can listen to one in the office to hear how it will help,” she added. Custom-fitted hearing aids may take from three days to two weeks to be manufactured. At the time of dispensing of the aids, the audiologist works with each patient to ensure the best fit and function.

Hearing aid technology has advanced dramatically, and most aids are computerized today. “We can fine tune them to the individual’s hearing loss and their listening environments. There are truly thousands of different programming options. Plus, they’re smaller and more discreet these days,” said Watts.

What are the Early Symptoms of Hearing Loss?

  • “Ringing” in the ears
  • A “plugged” feeling in the ears
  • Feeling like you’re hearing but not understanding speech
  • The need to turn up the volume on the TV
  • Speaking in a loud voice
  • Frequently needing people to repeat themselves


Visit the Porter Health System website
Valparaiso Campus
814 LaPorte Avenue
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: 219-263-4600

If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor. You may be referred to an audiologist – a hearing care specialist.

Affordability can be a stumbling block for patients as Medicare does not cover hearing aids, yet different options are available and most audiologists offer a variety of payment plans.

To learn more about hearing loss, and how it can be diagnosed, contact Associated Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists at 219.531.0355.