WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

You have been thinking about it and you may have put off scheduling for a hearing evaluation. However, if you find yourself experiencing a sudden change, go get yourself checked out by a hearing loss specialist.

• Sudden loss, particularly in one ear, seek immediate attention

• When you begin having trouble hearing

Doctors and Specialists

Audiologist: they specialize in testing, evaluation and treating hearing loss

Otolaryngologist: Doctor trained in the medical and surgical management and treatment of the ear, nose and throat, and related structures of head and neck.

Hearing Instrument Sciences Specialist (BC-HIS): Does assessments. Fits and dispenses hearing aids, and provides instruction in use and care of hearing aids (HA)

Just in case you did not know.

Untreated hearing loss, puts you at increased risk of cognitive impairment as you get older. Hearing loss can mimic cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s. These conditions has the same symptoms as cognitive impairment. This is good as time now to have regular hearing checks. Hearing loss changes the brain because it can shrink some parts of the brain. A study at Johns Hopkins with nearly 2000 seniors over 6 years, showed that people with hearing loss had a faster decline with dementia. Maybe its time you schedule your hearing evaluation.