Virginia Hearing Consultants Norfolk, VA

In the News

The Missing Link

Approximately 17 million Americans have diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes in older Americans is as high as 20% and effects seven million people age 65 and older. Hearing loss has also been identified as one of the most common conditions that affect adults over 60 years of age. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communicative Disorders, approximately 28 million Americans have a hearing impairment. Is it possible then that a link can be established between diabetes and hearing loss? Recent research has focused more attention on the specific factors that contribute to presbycusis, a leading cause of adult hearing loss, and have found that changes in the blood supply to the ear from heart disease, high blood pressure, vascular problems or diabetes also may result in hearing loss. In reviewing this information, it is logical to inquire if there is a relationship between hearing loss and Diabetes since each is present in a high volume of older adults. Vascular damage from diabetes can manifest itself in the eyes and kidneys, and since the vascular system plays a predominant role in auditory function, any disease that has the potential of damaging their cells has the capacity to negatively affect the hearing organs. At present time, most patients diagnosed with diabetes are referred for regular examinations to monitor changes in vision, kidney function, and cardiovascular health. With evidence linking diabetes and hearing loss, physicians could add monitoring of hearing abilities to their preventive care protocols this ensuring that all patients with hearing loss be managed by a hearing healthcare professional.

Effective Communication Tips

Ask family members to speak louder, but not shout.

Turn off the T.V. or radio when it isn’t being used.

Be aware of noise around you that can make hearing difficult. For example, when you go out, sit in a quiet area away from any entrances or exits.

Ask family members to get your attention before speaking to you, and to look directly at you when they do so.

If you cannot understand what is being said to you, ask the speaker to rephrase rather than just repeat the message.

Myths and Facts

MYTH: My type of hearing loss cannot be helped.

FACT: In virtually all cases, nerve deafness can be helped through amplification. Other types of impairment may be medically treatable. Under any circumstance, regular examinations and hearing tests will provide a certain answer. Some people discover their problem is just too much earwax!

MYTH: My hearing problem isn't bad enough to need two aids.
FACT: Like our vision, our hearing mechanism relies on input from both ears to locate sound sources, and focus on specific sounds and coversations. Studies show that those wearing two ads understand more clearly and enjoy better sound quality.

MYTH: Hearing aids are too expensive.
FACT: Cost is relative to the perceived value you get from your hearing aids. The most important 'investment' is your attitude and willingness to adapt to a new world of sound. For many, the imporoved quality of life and relationships make it one of the best investments they've made.

MYTH: Bargain hearing aids work just as well as the expensice ones.
FACT: Mail-order hearing aids, or those purchased online lack one critical ingredient: The expertise andcare of a licensed hearing professional. You're not likely to trust other aspects of your health care to a mail-order solution, so why do it with something as essential as your hearing?

MYTH: "If I had a hearing problem, I'd know about it."

FACT: Usually not. Hearing loss often develops unnoticeably over several years. Nist oeioke compensate for the very gradual changes by asking others to repeat, turn the TV up louder, possibly even reading lips. Allowed to continue, these habits mistakenly make you believe there is no problem, or that it has gone away.