1. How to Schedule a Hearing Test
Have you noticed that a loved one doesn’t
seem to hear as well as they once did?
Perhaps they ask you to repeat yourself
several times and then give up in
frustration when they still don’t
understand.
They may become irritated and angry,
blaming you for mumbling or not speaking
up. Maybe they misunderstand what is being said in a
conversation and respond completely off topic. Perhaps they need
the television volume so loud that it can be hurt by the
neighbors.
It’s a sensitive topic. Many people view hearing loss as a sign of
the negative impact of aging. While it’s true that hearing loss is
sometimes a normal part of the aging process, thousands of
people of all ages experience it each year for a variety of reasons.
Early detection is the key to successful treatment. Encourage
your loved one to have their hearing testing.
A visit to their primary care physician is always a good place to
start. This eases reluctant sufferers into the process and allows
the doctor to rule out any medical issues, such as ear or sinus
infections, that may be impacting the hearing. If needed, the
doctor will make a referral to a hearing specialist.
The hearing specialist, also sometimes called an audiologist, will
perform an exam and hearing test. The visit is quick, simple and
painless.
Hearing Center of Broward
3170 N. Federal Hwy., Ste. 208, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064, 954-943-9020
5975 N Federal Highway, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 33308, (954) 633-7374
4887 Coconut Creek Parkway, Coconut Creek, Florida, 33063, (954) 633-8630

2. A hearing test is performed in a variety of ways. The specialist or
nurse may start off my whispering things to the patient at various
levels and distances to test which words are heard. A tuning fork
is often used to gently tap on the knee or elbow.
This allows the specialist to determine if the patient can hear the
vibrations the tuning fork makes. The specialist may place a small
device behind the ear to determine which areas of the ear are
impacted by hearing loss.
Once the assessment is complete, a treatment plan will be
devised. Hearing aids are typically suggested when people have
experienced hearing loss. Some people are reluctant to get
hearing aids. They fear they will be uncomfortable, embarrassing
and keep them from participating in their favorite activities.
Modern hearing aids are actually very small and discrete. They do
not interfere with the wearer’s quality of life, but instead enhance
it by bringing back the gift of clear sound.
Some models are even worn completely inside of the ear, making
them invisible to everyone else. Hearing aids have many
advanced technological features. Some are wireless, digital or
water-resistant.
The audiologist will work with the patient to choose the right
hearing aids for their unique situation. Help is available for
hearing loss.
Hearing Center of Broward
3170 N. Federal Hwy., Ste. 208, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064, 954-943-9020
5975 N Federal Highway, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 33308, (954) 633-7374
4887 Coconut Creek Parkway, Coconut Creek, Florida, 33063, (954) 633-8630