What do you know about hearing aids? Unless someone close to you uses them chances are the answer is, not much. While the details of using hearing aids might evade you, it’s hearing loss that you really need to know about. Very few people use proper hearing protection when they expose themselves to loud noises, to the detriment of their hearing overtime.

As many as one in five adults has some degree of hearing loss. This may have come about from using improper hearing protection, or none at all while subjecting your ears to bangs, loud percussion, industrial noises, or simply elevated voices. Unfortunately, there it is likely that you yourself have some degree of hearing loss. Below are a few indicators of impaired hearing, as well as what you can do to fix it.

Do You Hear That Ringing? The Facts on Tinnitus, or Ringing Ears.

Have you ever been going about your day, minding your own business, when suddenly it seems that someone is blowing a high pitched whistle that only you can hear? Other than having a sudden sympathy for a pooch’s aversion to the dog whistle, tinnitus can be a sign of a real problem. It is estimated that 50 million people are affected just in the U.S. About half of that number reported the ringing to continue for at least five continuous minutes just in the last year. Tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying problem, but it has been known to cause psychological issues such as stress, depression, and anxiety when left untreated.

People With Hearing Loss Avoid Seeking Help. Don’t Be a Statistic.

Some reports have found that the average person with impaired hearing waits about seven years before trying out hearing aids or another treatment. That comes out to roughly 15 million people with hearing loss who are choosing to simply live with it. This is clearly a mistake for several reasons. Monetarily, profound hearing loss has been shown to cost the average person $1 million over the course of a lifetime. This means they are missing much of what is being said at their work and in their home.

There Are Many Types of Hearing Aids. Here’s How to Choose.

Over the past decade, hearing aids have developed a lower profile to the point that some models are hardly noticeable. The type of hearing aid you choose will depend on your degree of hearing loss, your budge, preferences, and lifestyle. Digital hearing aids that utilize wireless technology are particularly promising. They offer a greater degree of customization for each wearer according to frequency. Some are even able to connect to your phone to serve as a Bluetooth device.

There are affordable digital hearing aids to fit everyone’s needs, but it can be difficult to decide from an article. After researching what you can, it is best to consult a professional. They will be better able to determine what will work for your particular needs.