If you find it difficult to hear your conversation partners, you are probably suffering from age-related hearing loss (“presbycusis”). The only way to confirm this diagnosis is to schedule a hearing test that charts the type, degree, and configuration of any hearing loss. In turn, this “audiogram” can be used by a hearing specialist to fit you with a hearing instrument that is specifically programmed to amplify only the frequencies in which your hearing loss occurs. On the other hand, some individuals choose to bypass this entire process by ordering a product known as a “personal sound amplifier” (PSA), which amplifies sounds less discriminately. This heavy-handed approach is less likely to provide the results you need.
You may be surprised to learn that more than half of the hearing impaired population is of working age. You may find it hard to determine whether you are suffering from hearing loss, or whether you are just stressed and tired. But a hearing loss can be detected with a hearing test. To schedule a hearing exam, please call BETTER HEARING CENTER. New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.
P.S. Presbycusis is characterized as hearing loss that primarily affects the higher frequencies, at which most conversation is conducted (mostly by children and women).
