Tag Archives: Hearing Loss Treatment

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5 Questions to Ask Your Audiologist About Hearing Loss

Experiencing hearing loss can be overwhelming, frightening, and frustrating. You may experience a wide range of emotions and go through different stages of the grief process. Navigating this new normal doesn’t have to be debilitating, though. An audiologist can help you determine your needs and come up with a hearing solution that matches your lifestyle. From hearing loss treatments to hearing aids and more, Platinum Hearing Aids is here to help. 

If you’re just starting the process and are meeting with an audiologist for the first time, then don’t worry! It is their job to help people on their hearing loss journey and you have nothing to be afraid of. Keep reading to learn some good preliminary questions to ask your audiologist during your first visit, and then contact Platinum Hearing Aids today to schedule an appointment.

What is my current hearing? Are both ears the same?

Sure, you may know you need the TV turned up or feel stressed during group events when you can’t follow the conversation. While these are practical, real-life applications to be aware of, an audiologist can provide more details about what your current level of hearing is.

What type of hearing loss do I have?

Next, ask your audiologist about the type of hearing loss you experience. There are three different types of hearing loss:

  • Sensorineural hearing loss: Occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or to the nerve pathways between the inner ear and the brain; often permanent
  • Conductive hearing loss: Occurs when sound doesn’t travel effectively from the outer ear canal to the eardrum; often due to a blockage and is temporary
  • Mixed hearing loss: Occurs when a person experiences a mix of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss

 

 

Is there anything I can do to prevent further hearing loss?

Now is the time for action. Yes, you’re more than willing to consider hearing aids. But if there are steps you can take now to prevent future damage, then you should take them. We recommend the H.E.A.R. strategy: 

  • Hold yourself accountable
  • Evaluate your surroundings
  • Avoid the noise
  • Remember protection

What will happen if we do nothing? 

For whatever reason, you may not be interested in a hearing loss treatment or hearing aids at this time. Talk to your audiologist about possible worst-case scenarios and find out what your future will look like — and sound like — without immediate action.

What are my hearing loss treatment or assistance options?

Ultimately, this is what you want to find out from your audiologist: What’s my plan? How are we moving forward? Here at Platinum Hearing Aids, our team of audiologists and hearing specialists will work hard with you to come up with a personalized hearing solution that meets your hearing needs and your lifestyle. 

Meet With an Audiologist in Detroit Today

Our hearing clinic is here for you. Get back to enjoying family dinners, listening to the sounds of nature, and living life out loud. Contact us today to meet with an audiologist in Detroit.

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5 Situations Where You Should Use Hearing Protection

Just as you can expect with other parts of your body, your hearing will show signs of aging as you, well, age. That being said, deterioration and hearing loss can occur no matter your age. Whether you’re young or older and are starting to notice signs of hearing loss, our hearing center in Detroit can help. 

Here at Platinum Hearing Aids, we offer hearing loss treatment, hearing solutions, hearing aid fittings, and other services from our audiologist to best help you improve your hearing and quality of life. Whether you’re already noticing signs of hearing loss or not, it’s important to use hearing protection. In today’s blog, we’ll highlight five situations where hearing protection is commonly needed. Keep reading to learn more, and contact us today to visit our hearing center in Detroit.

85 Decibels

It is recommended that you use hearing protection in any situation in which the noise or sound level exceeds 85 decibels (A-weighted) or dBA.

For comparison, here are some common noises and their average decibels (dB):

  • Soft music, whisper: 30
  • Average home noise: 40
  • Normal conversation, background music: 60
  • Office noise, inside car at 60 mph: 70
  • Vacuum cleaner, average radio: 75
  • Heavy traffic, window air conditioner, noisy restaurant, power lawn mower: 80-89
  • Subway, shouted conversation: 90-95
  • Boom box, ATV, motorcycle: 96-100
  • School dance: 101-105
  • Chainsaw, leaf blower, snowmobile: 106-115
  • Sports crowd, rock concert, loud symphony: 120-129
  • Stock car races: 130
  • Gunshot, siren at 100 feet: 140

As you can see, there are many situations in everyday life that could lead to hearing damage and loss. If you’re in need of treatment, then visit our Detroit hearing center today.

Attending Concerts

We’ve all seen babies at concerts wearing heavy-duty ear protection. Why aren’t we doing the same? While we as adults may not need the same level of protection — we are there to hear the music, after all — it is possible to wear ear protection and simply hear the music at a lower volume. By doing so, you can better enjoy the music you love for years to come!

Mowing the Lawn

A power lawn mower is 80-89 dB, and sounds above 85 dB are harmful. To be safe, our audiologists recommend wearing ear protection while mowing the lawn! What better way to do this than with ear protection while also listening to a podcast or your favorite music? Turn your time mowing the lawn into a more calming — and less damaging — experience by using protection.

 

Surfing

Hold up — you thought we were just talking about noises? While noise levels are certainly one of the most important aspects to consider when discussing hearing loss, exposure to cold, wind, water, and snow can also irritate your ears. While we may not have the option to surf much here in Detroit, keep this in mind when traveling to more tropical locales! Water can lead to ear infections, which can in turn lead to serious hearing damage if you’re not careful.

Using Power Tools

Perhaps you’re a weekend warrior or you’re completing a home renovation project. Whatever it is, don’t forget to wear ear protection when using those power tools! As an example, an electric saw can produce sounds over 100 dB. While this is more prone to cause hearing loss with prolonged use, it’s important to take the necessary precautions early on.

Watching Fireworks

Independence day is in just a few days! With it comes parties with friends and family, outdoor barbecuing, and, of course, fireworks. While they are exciting and fun to watch, fireworks can be an assault on your ears! On average, fireworks can produce up to 150 dB of noise. Instead of simply covering your ears with your hands, wear a pair of earplugs or earmuffs to help stifle the noise level.

Visit Our Hearing Center in Detroit

It’s never too early or too late to meet with an audiologist if you’re concerned about your hearing. Hearing loss can greatly affect your quality of life, but our audiologists can help make sure you have the hearing solutions you need. Follow the tips in this blog and use protection, and then visit our hearing center for personalized tips, hearing aids, hearing devices, and more.