Know These Six Signs of Hearing Loss
May is Better Hearing Month
By Dr. Shawn Denham, AU.D.
Program Director of Audiology at Boulder Medical Center
Better Hearing Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the causes of and treatments for hearing loss. Approximately 46 million Americans experience some form of communication disorder that leads to feelings of isolation and lack of connection with family, friends, and community. In addition to being important for staying connected with people and world around us, our hearing also keeps us safe by warning us of potential danger.
Signs of hearing loss can affect individuals of all ages. Symptoms can be subtle and emerge slowly, or significant and come about suddenly. You should suspect hearing loss if any of these signs are present:
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
- Turning an ear in the direction of sound in order to hear it better
- Understanding conversation better when you look directly at the person talking
- Being unable to hear all parts of a group conversation
- Experiencing pain or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Listening to the television or radio at volume levels higher than other people do
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these signs, visit a Doctor of Audiology who can conduct a hearing test, diagnose the underlying causes, and work with you to develop a treatment plan. If a hearing aid is necessary, it may be comforting to know that today’s technology is significantly better than even five years ago. As a result, there are many options for hearing aid devices that feature a wide range of benefits and costs.
About Shawn Denham, Au.D
Shawn Denham believes that her personal experiences with hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo have given her a unique perspective of the complicated nature and quality of life issues that come with these conditions. She also understands how hearing loss can affect individuals of all ages. “When patients meet me they learn that I wear a hearing aid and I’m only in my mid-30’s,” she says. “I think this brings awareness to the issue of age and hearing loss, in that the perception is changing and wearing a hearing aid does not necessarily define us as ‘getting old.’ ”
As a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D), Dr. Denham takes a personal and holistic approach to evaluating, diagnosing, and treating hearing, tinnitus and balance disorders for patients of all ages.
Learn More and Contact Dr. Denham:
- Dr. Denham’s Full Profile
- To Make an Appointment call: 303-440-3073
- Dr. Denham sees patients at our Broadway and Foothills locations.