Most often, a hearing loss develops gradually and painlessly.

However, hearing loss can occur for many reasons including:

• Exposure to loud or constant noise

• Genetics/Heredity

• Diseases and disorders of the ear

• The natural aging process

• Traumatic injury

• Ototoxic medications

• Tumors

Hearing loss can occur at any age and for many reasons. In adults, however, one of the most common periods for hearing loss to begin is between ages 40 and 55 years. You may not be aware if you have a hearing impairment. Some forms of hearing loss are very mild and may only involve difficulty in hearing certain sounds or hearing in background noise. Additionally, some types of hearing loss may occur so gradually that they progress without you even noticing.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I often ask others “What?” or to repeat themselves?

• Do I turn up the TV or radio louder than is comfortable for others?

• Do I have trouble understanding speech in restaurants?

• Do I have difficulty understanding soft voices especially those of women or children?


If you suspect you have some hearing loss, contact an audiologist for a professional hearing assessment. When hearing loss goes untreated, your overall quality of life could suffer. You may miss the sounds of songbirds, having everyday conversations, and watching TV. Your hearing loss also affects family, friends, and co-workers who may struggle to communicate effectively with you.


In some instances, medical or surgical treatment may be indicated, but most hearing losses are easily treated with amplification (hearing aids or assistive listening devices).




Our hearing is at work for us 24 hours a day; whether we are talking to loved ones, listening to the radio, watching TV, or interacting with peers on the job. Effective communication through hearing is a vital part of living.


Untreated hearing loss can be frustrating and isolating. According to a study by the National Council on Aging, people with untreated hearing loss were more likely to report depression and anxiety, and participate less in social activities than those who wear hearing aids.




Although hearing problems are typically associated with the normal aging process, more than half of all hearing impaired persons are under the age of sixty-five.




At Woodland Hearing Aids, we strive to give each patient the individualized hearing health care that will most improve his or her quality of life.




Even though some hearing loss is unavoidable as it comes with time and age, there is plenty you can do to help protect your ears:

• Avoid prolonged noise exposure.

• Wear earplugs during “loud” activities like lawn mowing, concerts, hunting, construction, etc.

• Be careful with headphone volume. If possible, use noise-reducing headphones

• Ask your doctor if any of your medications could be ototoxic

• Especially if you are over the age of 50, schedule a yearly hearing test




Common Signs of Hearing Loss
It is always a good idea to practice hearing loss prevention techniques, but hearing loss can still sneak up on you. If you experience any of the below signs, you should see a hearing specialist.


• Difficulty hearing on the telephone

• Trouble hearing birds, wind, alarms/bells, women, and children

• Turning the TV volume too high for others

• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves

• Trouble hearing words or music when there is background noise

• Difficulty following conversations in groups

• Feeling that many people mumble

• Misunderstanding words and responding inappropriately, or nodding/smiling
when you haven’t really understood what was said

• Frequent ringing, roaring, or hissing in the ears




How to Help


If Someone You Know Has a Hearing Problem

• Face the person and talk clearly.

• Stand where there is good lighting and low background noise.

• Speak clearly and at a reasonable speed. Do not hide your mouth, eat or chew gum.

• Use facial expressions or gestures to give useful clues.
• Reword your statement if needed.

• Be patient, stay positive and relaxed.

• Ask how you may help the listener.

• Set up meetings so that all speakers can be seen or can use a microphone.


Include the hearing-impaired person in all discussions about him or her to prevent feelings of isolation
until we can fit him or her with the most appropriate hearing aids.




Your Hearing Keeping Up With Your Life?

The typical client at Woodland Hearing Aids is full of life: youthful, vibrant, and interested in staying “with it”
and up-to-date on the latest healthcare advances.

At Woodland Hearing Aids, we’ll make sure that your hearing keeps up with your life!
We’ll help you select the device that fits you, and who you are right now —
from high-tech performance to the latest in style.

Communication is the backbone of society. Untreated hearing loss can make communicating at school,
work, and in everyday situations more difficult, which can result in a withdrawal from social situations
and even depression. Wearing hearing aids can restore your ability to communicate effectively,
leading to a higher quality of life.




Improved hearing can benefit your overall quality of life by helping you:

• Feel included and participate more in group settings

• Regain lost closeness with friends and loved ones

• Feel more confident and secure

Hearing loss can occur at any age, but is most prevalent in adults over age 50. It can be caused by:

• Exposure to loud or constant noise

• Heredity

• Some chemotherapy and radiation treatments

• Some heavy-duty antibiotics

• Head trauma

• Wax build-up

• Ear infections

• Viral infections

An estimated 31 million Americans have a hearing impairment.

Only one in five Americans who could benefit from hearing aids actually wears them.




Why miss the sounds of life?
Woodland Hearing Aids can help.

Give us a call today!