Posted on: June 6, 2012

Here is a scenario we hear often. Someone comes in for a hearing test because they have been noticing some difficulty following conversation. We do a hearing test and find that there is a mild hearing loss. We explain the results and recommend hearing aids, at which point we are asked: “My hearing isn’t that bad is it, do I really need hearing aids? I can get by without them can’t I?”

The truth is that even mild hearing loss can cause significant problems. People with this level of hearing loss typically have difficulty following conversation when there is background noise present, such as noisy restaurants, meetings, and family gatherings to name a few. The reason they may think their hearing “isn’t that bad” is because they can hear enough of the conversation in a quiet room to get by. However, how many of our everyday conversations and activities take place in a silent room?

When you struggle to hear conversation in a noisy environment you end up missing much of what is being said. You will likely feel fatigued at the end of the day as a result of putting in so much extra effort to hear. Some people even end up avoiding many social situations because it is so difficult to keep up with the conversation.

Hearing loss is also easier to treat in the early stages. The longer hearing loss goes untreated the more quickly it can deteriorate. This is called sensory deprivation. Like any of our senses, if we don’t use it, we lose it. So, while hearing aids cannot prevent hearing loss, they can slow its progression.

The importance of addressing hearing loss early cannot be understated. Any amount of hearing loss that is causing difficulty communicating can potentially be treated with hearing aids. Treating hearing loss early leads to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

If you have concerns about your hearing, please contact us at 423-7734 in Halifax or 252-3004 in Lower Sackville to arrange a hearing evaluation.