Excuse Me Hearing: Bridging the Gap to Better Hearing

Typically, individuals tend to wait an average of seven years from initially recognizing their hearing impairment to addressing it.

Recognizing Hearing Loss Symptoms If you or someone close to you is encountering signs of hearing loss, it might be time to schedule a hearing assessment.

Denial or downplaying of hearing loss is a common occurrence, with individuals often attributing it incorrectly to aging or disability. Instead of seeking assistance, they may resort to asking others to speak louder or repeat themselves.

Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is generally classified into four main types. One crucial initial step in addressing hearing impairment involves determining the extent and location of the damage. Once the type and category are identified, appropriate treatment options can be explored.

Our commitment is to assist each of our clients in finding the most effective solution for their hearing loss.

Levels of Hearing Loss

Mild Hearing Loss: Engaging in conversations, especially in noisy environments, becomes challenging, and some soft sounds may be entirely missed.

Moderate Hearing Loss: Difficulty in following conversations without the aid of a hearing device. Soft and moderately loud noises are not easily heard.

Severe Hearing Loss: Participation in group conversations requires considerable effort, often involving reliance on lip reading skills.

Profound Hearing Loss: Primary reliance on lip reading and/or sign language for communication, with no possibility of effective communication without a hearing aid.

Causes of Hearing Loss

Despite the ear’s remarkable resilience, numerous factors can contribute to hearing loss, ranging from minor issues to complete deafness.

Outer Ear
Issues in the outer ear, such as a blocked canal due to earwax or infections of the auditory canal, are common causes. Timely action can often resolve these problems, preventing lasting hearing damage.

Middle Ear
Various physical problems, including inflammation, fluid accumulation behind the eardrum, perforations of the eardrum, and otosclerosis, can impact hearing. Many of these issues can be addressed through medication or surgical intervention. When surgery is not an option, hearing aids can effectively assist in restoring hearing.

Inner Ear
The majority of hearing loss cases stem from inner ear problems, attributed to factors like exposure to loud noises, certain medications, skull fractures, and the natural aging process. While medical solutions may not be applicable, hearing aids can play a crucial role in corrective measures.

Consult with our specialists at Excuse Me Hearing, to explore various hearing protection options. We offer custom earplugs, disposable earplugs, and earmuff-style protection to prevent damage and mitigate the risk of hearing loss.

Hearing Myths Debunked

Myth #1: Hearing aids are awkward and uncomfortable.
Reality: Modern hearing aids are not only comfortable but also stylish and discreet, often nearly invisible.

Myth #2: If I had a hearing problem, I’d know about it.
Reality: On the contrary, loved ones often notice first. Individuals may gradually compensate for changes, such as asking others to repeat words or turning up the TV volume. These habits can lead the person to mistakenly believe there is no problem or that it has resolved.

Myth #3: Amplification will make the damage worse.
Reality: False. Ignoring hearing loss can exacerbate the condition and lead to permanent damage. Seeking appropriate amplification can help manage and improve hearing.

Myth #4: If I had hearing loss, my doctor would have told me!
Reality: Only a small percentage of family doctors screen for hearing loss during a physical exam. Moreover, in a one-on-one, quiet environment, your doctor may not have noticed the challenges you face in daily life.

Myth #5: A mild hearing loss is not bad enough for a hearing aid.
Reality: Everyone’s hearing loss and listening needs are unique. Collaborating with a hearing instrument practitioner can help determine if a hearing aid is necessary and how much it can enhance your hearing.

Preventing Hearing Loss

Ensuring protection for our hearing goes beyond merely safeguarding it; even if we’ve already experienced hearing loss, ongoing diligence is essential to preserve the remaining auditory function.

Whether you currently have hearing loss or not, we provide a range of options for hearing loss prevention tailored to your specific needs.

Hearing Loss Prevention at Home:

  • Custom sleep plugs
  • Custom swim plugs
  • Custom musician molds
  • Reusable earplugs
  • Hearing Loss Prevention in the Workplace:

Custom ear defender work plugs (available in Class A, B, or C, depending on your work environment)

  • Earmuff-style protection
  • Reusable earplugs
  • Custom swim plugs
  • Custom musician molds

For more information on hearing loss or to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact Excuse Me Hearing today.