The Effects of Aging and Hearing Loss in Mesa

You have a friend who just turned 65. He’s the one who always reminds you “not to call”. He insists on communicating via email, mainly because his hearing isn’t what it used to be. He can’t pick up words over the telephone. And, you notice you are speaking louder whenever you are in his presence. Then, one day, it hits you. You realize that your spouse and other family members are raising their voices when talking to you. And why is that? They are reacting to you asking them to repeat what they just said because you didn’t comprehend every word. If this is the case, you may be experiencing the effects of aging and hearing loss in Mesa.

Studies indicate that nearly one-third of people ages 65 to 74 in the United States have some level of hearing loss. Dr. Cassandra Fynes is an audiologist who has been treating numerous patients who fall into that category for more than a decade. At Fynes Audiology, she provides the very latest in medical technology along with her ever-expanding knowledge of the most modern treatments for hearing loss.

Can hearing loss occur almost overnight?

Hearing loss generally occurs on a gradual basis. You may not notice it until you discover the need to kick it up a notch on the TV volume, or you didn’t hear the doorbell ring even though your dog is barking, or you are forgetting to turn off the turn signal because you no longer hear the clicking noise. Little clues such as those scenarios are all potential indicators of the effects of aging and hearing loss in Mesa.

Is it for certain that age is affecting my ability to hear?

Without a thorough examination of your ears by Dr. Fynes, along with an extensive hearing test, it is impossible to diagnose the exact cause of your hearing loss. With aging, changes can occur in your inner ear that may cause damage or blockage along the nerve pathways where sound travels to the brain. In other cases, hearing loss as you age can be noise-induced. If you have worked in a noisy environment for years or have attended a lot of ear-splitting concerts and sporting events, hearing loss can be the result. Some people experience hearing loss as a side effect to high blood pressure or if they are diabetic. Others lose some hearing ability because of medications they take.

What can be done to cure age-related hearing loss?

There is no miracle cure for age-related hearing loss. After evaluating your individual condition, Dr. Fynes can recommend the most suitable type of hearing aids that will enhance your ability to understand speech and interpret sounds. Improving your hearing will also help you regain your self-esteem and make you more confident to participate in social gatherings you used to avoid. Even after you begin to wear hearing aids, it is advisable to avoid loud noise situations altogether, or wear noise-cancelling headphones, ear plugs, or ear muffs to protect your hearing.

If you suspect you may be suffering from hearing loss, please schedule an appointment to see Dr. Cassandra Fynes for a consultation by using our online patient request form, or by calling Fynes Audiology at (480) 456-0176.