Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/799833
HEARING LOSS—THE PARTIAL or complete inability to hear sound in one or both ears—affects between 15 and 20 percent of Americans. It can be temporary, caused by things such as ear infections and impacted earwax, or it can be permanent, due to factors like loud noises at work or listening to loud music in the car or through headphones. ALL EARS "The good news is, with a few simple steps you can help prevent hearing loss, whether temporary or permanent, at any time in life," says Shawna Lee, AuD, audiologist with Prevea Health. Lee offers three tips for warding off hearing loss: ✳ Never put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear. "Q-tips, in particular, are one of the leading causes of ear injuries, as well as impacted earwax," Dr. Lee says. ✳ Protect your ears from loud noises. "Any noise loud enough that you have to raise your voice to be heard is too loud," Dr. Lee says. "Be sure to use earplugs or other protective gear when appropriate." ✳ Turn down the music. "Make sure music volume is turned down at least below the 50 percent mark to ensure you're not getting too much noise exposure, which can permanently damage your hearing," Dr. Lee says. "Being proactive about your hearing health is the first step toward warding off hearing loss," Dr. Lee says. "It's essential to have routine hearing screenings, just like routine dental or eye exams, to ensure you're taking a proactive—rather than a reactive—approach to your ear health care." For more information about Dr. Lee and her practice, visit sacredhearteauclaire.org/ medical-services/hearing-balance/our-team. Testing 1, 2, 3 Prevea Health Audiologist Shawna Lee, AuD, gives a quick rundown on hearing tests. Q: When is a hearing test recommended? Dr. Lee: If you notice any communication challenges or changes in your hearing—including differences in hearing between the two ears— that's a good time to make an appointment. Q: What happens during a hearing test? Dr. Lee: First, and most important, we get a patient's history, to find out what types of noises he's regularly exposed to and what symptoms he's experiencing, such as drainage or fullness in the ear. Then the actual hearing test occurs. During the test, we play a series of beeps at varying volumes to find the softest sounds the patient is able to hear, which are charted on a graph to indicate the patient's hearing at high and low pitches. Q: What does this reveal? Dr. Lee: The beep test communicates to the audiologist the type of hearing loss the patient may have. Hearing loss isn't an all-or-nothing matter. There can be a little bit of loss in the high tones, meaning there's a loss of clarity, or there can be a little bit of loss in low tones, meaning there's a loss of volume. If you think you may need a hearing test, call 715.717.6885 to talk with a hearing specialist or schedule an appointment. HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT HEARING LOSS? HEARING HEARING LOSS—THE PARTIAL HEARING HEALTH The Association of Independent Hearing Healthcare Professionals recommends adults between the ages of 18 and 45 have a routine hearing check every five years. Adults 45 to 60 years old should have this test every three years, and adults 60 years and older are advised to have one every two years. HOMING IN ON 1 4 I N S P I R I N G H E A LT H