Do you have a hard time understanding conversations? Is it hard to hear over background noise? Do you find yourself asking others to repeat themselves? If so, you may suffer from hearing loss. Hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the U.S. and can be caused by age, illness, and/or genetics.
Hearing loss can be gradual, and for many people they do not realize how much they are actually missing out on. At times, hearing loss factors into why some individuals quit doing the activities they enjoy. Some feel they are missing out on important conversations and are too embarrassed to always ask for repetition.
At Hudson Physicians, we care about your hearing. Untreated hearing loss contributes to many negative effects such as dementia, depression, and cognitive decline. If hearing loss is present, it is important to implement a treatment plan as soon as possible so the brain continues to receive the important sound information it needs to communicate effectively.
Audiologist Kirsten Daniels is here to serve those 55 and older who suspect or are suffering from hearing loss or impairment. She’s available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. by appointment. It is always a good idea to get a baseline hearing test even if no concerns are present at the time.
Dr. Daniels is excited to serve the people of the Hudson community. She states, “Hudson is such a welcoming community, it’s very easy to feel at home here. Growing up in a small town in North Dakota, I really appreciate the close knit feeling of a community like Hudson. I am eager to start educating people on the importance of healthy hearing and how hearing loss can impact an individual’s way of life. Having a Hearing Health Program at Hudson Physicians will allow all patients to have convenient access to hearing healthcare.”
For those 55 and older, Hudson Physicians will provide a hearing screen at your appointment. We also have the ability to test for the following:
- Auditory processing disorders
- Hearing disorders
- Hearing loss
- Pediatric hearing loss
- Sensorineural deafness
- Tinnitus
When it comes to healthy, long-term hearing, prevention is key. To protect your hearing, wear earplugs when you’re exposed to sounds as loud as, or louder than, traffic. Lawn mowers, power sanders, vacuums, and most concerts are all loud enough to harm unprotected ears. Hearing loss is often permanent so do what you can to protect one of your most valuable senses.
