How a Hearing Test Can Diagnose Hearing Loss Early
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For many people, hearing loss starts gradually, making it difficult to recognize until communication becomes more challenging. In fact, millions of Americans live with undiagnosed hearing loss, which can lead to isolation, frustration, and reduced quality of life. At Cross Timbers ENT in Arlington, Midlothian, and Mansfield, TX, our experienced providers encourage early hearing evaluations to help identify and address changes in hearing before they become more severe and, additionally, while they may be easier to treat or manage.
Because we offer a comprehensive array of hearing tests and evaluations beyond simple audio screenings, we can help diagnose a variety of different types of hearing loss, even in early stages. Learn more about the importance of early hearing loss detection here, and find out what treatment options may be available to help you regain clearer hearing and improved quality of life.
Why is it important to catch early hearing loss?
Even mild hearing loss can affect your ability to communicate and stay socially engaged. Additionally, when left untreated, hearing loss may contribute to more disruptive conditions like cognitive decline, anxiety, and depression. The sooner hearing loss is detected, the more options are available for restoring and/or preserving hearing and improving overall quality of life. Hearing tests at Cross Timbers ENT are designed to identify even subtle changes in hearing so that necessary interventions can be put in place as soon as possible.
What are the early warning signs of hearing loss?
While hearing loss can happen to almost anyone, it is especially common in adults over the age of 60. Many people assume their hearing issues are temporary or due to background noise, but these symptoms are often early signs of more serious hearing loss. Some of the first signs of hearing loss may include:
- Struggling with conversations in noisy settings
- Frequently asking others to speak up or repeat themselves
- Turning up the volume on TVs or radios more often
- Feeling fatigued from focusing on conversations
- Avoiding social situations because of hearing difficulty
If any of these sound familiar to you or a loved one, scheduling a hearing test can help pinpoint the cause of difficulty hearing and guide appropriate treatment.
How does a hearing test diagnose hearing loss?
Hearing loss diagnosis typically begins with a conversation about your hearing loss symptoms and a thorough physical examination of your ears. This allows our team to rule out common issues like earwax buildup or infections that could temporarily affect your hearing. If needed, we'll move on to hearing evaluations, which may include a hearing screening or a full audiogram, which may include audiometry, tympanometry, or otoacoustic emissions testing, to assess the severity and type of hearing loss.
Depending on your results, further testing or imaging studies might be recommended. These detailed assessments ensure that underlying problems contributing to your hearing loss are accurately identified so a personalized treatment plan can be created.
Can treatment for early hearing loss prevent it from getting worse?
In many cases, diagnosing and treating hearing loss in its earlier stages is simpler, more convenient, and more successful overall. Depending on the type of hearing loss a patient has, as well as the cause of their hearing loss and other individual variables, hearing loss treatment may help to slow the progression of hearing loss or prevent worsening symptoms.
Following your consultation and hearing evaluation, our knowledgeable team will discuss potential treatment for early hearing loss — like using hearing aids, wearing hearing protection, and making lifestyle modifications — that can help preserve and protect hearing over the long term.
Take charge of your hearing health with an advanced hearing test in DFW
If you've noticed changes in your hearing, taking action now can make a significant difference in the ability to successfully restore better hearing. At Cross Timbers ENT, we offer comprehensive hearing evaluations and a full range of solutions designed to help meet your needs. Contact our caring team today to schedule a hearing test in Arlington, Midlothian, or Mansfield, TX, and find out how we can help you stay connected to the sounds and people you love most.