HEARING LOSS

It is estimated that more than 28 million individuals in the United States have a hearing loss or deafness. Many people ignore the early warning signs (ringing in the ears, turning up the television louder) because hearing loss often occurs slowly and painlessly until difficulty with speech understanding begins, interfering with work and social lives.  Below are informational links that will help you understand hearing and hearing loss and the methods of remediation that can improve your ability to communicate.

                                   How Hearing & Balance Work

                                                         Hearing is one of the five senses.  It is a complex process
                                                         of picking up sound and attaching meaning to it. 
                                                         For more information, go to:

                     h                                               http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/anatomy/

                                                                      http://www.betterhearing.org/hearing_loss/howYouHear.cfm

What is an Audiologist?

Audiologists are professionals who evaluate and treat hearing loss, tinnitus, balance and related disorders.  Audiologists hold masters or doctoral degrees from accredited universities and are experts in hearing.  They recommend and provide appropriate treatment including hearing aid dispensing, audiologic rehabilitation, and hearing assistive technology system fittings.  To find an audiologist in your area, go to:

http://www.asha.org/proserv/

Hearing Screenings

Prevention and early detection of hearing disorders can reduce the prevalence of hearing loss and associated disability when hearing loss interferes with daily communication and quality of life.  For more information about hearing screenings, go to:

ASHA Informational Series Audiologic Screenings

Adult Hearing Screening
 

Hearing Loss                      

Many disorders can affect the hearing of children and adults. This section                    
provides information on the causes and effects of hearing loss in both 
children and adults.  For more information, go to:

http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/disorders/default.htm
http://www.betterhearing.org/hearing_loss/
http://www.betterhearing.org/hearing_solutions/qualityOfLife.cfm

Treatment & Rehabilitation

This section provides information about hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices, and other options for hearing rehabilitation.

For more information, go to:

http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/treatment/

http://www.betterhearing.org/hearing_solutions/qualityOfLife.cfm

Hearing Aids
Information about hearing aids:

http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/treatment/hearing_aids.htm

http://www.betterhearing.org/resources/financial.cfm

 Assistive Technology  
Other available technology besides hearing aids:

http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/treatment/assist_tech.htm

ASHA Informational Series Assistive Listening Devices

   Captioned Movies
Popular, open captioned movies may be playing in theaters near you.
To find out, visit   http://www.insightcinema.org.

  Implantable Hearing Devices

For information on The Baha System, visit http://www.entific.com/index.asp

 Cochlear Implant FAQs  
Learn the facts about cochlear implants.

http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/treatment/cochlear_implant.htm

Tinnitus

Almost everyone at one time or another has experienced brief periods of mild ring or other sound in the ear. Some people have more annoying and constant types of tinnitus. One third of all adults report experiencing tinnitus at some time in their lives.   For more information on tinnitus, go to:

http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/disorders/Tinnitus.htm

Balan          Balance and Dizziness

If you are experiencing lightheadedness, a sensation of losing your balance, or a sense of feeling unsteady, you may be one of the millions of Americans who experience dizziness (vertigo).  For more information concerning dizziness, go to:

http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/treatment/balance_rehab.htm

Noise and Hearing Loss

Noise in our environment affects physical heath. Noise also has psychological and social implications and affects our well being and quality of life.  Noise can also damage your hearing.  For more information, go to:

http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/disorders/noise.htm

          Visit the "Wise Ears" Web site for more information on noise-induced hearing loss.

Hearing Protection

http://www.betterhearing.org/hearing_loss_prevention/

Hearing Loss Resources: Organizations and Associations

http://www.asha.org/public/outreach/hearing-web/hearing_orgs.htm

Self-Help Groups for Hearing and Balance Disorders

http://www.asha.org/public/outreach/hearing-web

http://www.betterhearing.org/resources/

For more information on each topic, go to:    www.asha.org/public/hearing