Here in Richmond, Virginia, there are several different resources for obtaining a hearing test, but the best place to go depends on your objectives in obtaining the hearing test. Here’s a review of the different types of hearing tests offered.
Hearing loss affects approximately 20 percent of Americans -- more than 48 million people. Being hard of hearing means it’s not only harder to hear the things you want to hear -- it’s more difficult to separate out the things you don’t want to hear. Hearing loss occurs due to the death of hair cells in the ear that amplify sound. When these cells die, it makes it more difficult for people to hear in noisy environments and areas with a lot of background noise. Fortunately, advancements in hearing technology have made significant strides in recent years, making life easier than ever for the hard of hearing.
If you’ve reached the point where you think you may need to consider a hearing aid, you may be unsure of where to start. There are salespeople and stores that sell hearing devices, but how do you know what you really need and when? An audiologist is a doctoral level hearing specialist that can give you the right guidance when it comes to choosing a hearing aid.
People who have trouble hearing or parents of children who exhibit signs of hearing loss may wonder what to do to find out what is going on. While a lot of people associate loss of hearing with older people, sometimes children experience hearing loss because of ear infections, liquid in the ear, and other reasons. No matter what the age, when a person can’t hear very well, or they notice a decline in their ability to hear, it’s best to see an audiologist.
