April 30, 2010, Gallipolis, OH - Hearing loss currently affects more than
36 million Americans today. Although hearing problems are commonly associated with the normal
aging process, more than half of all hearing-impaired persons are younger than 65. With the
increased use of personal music players (MP3s) and earbuds, the number of Americans experiencing
hearing loss at a younger age is growing.
On average, most Americans consider hearing loss a condition that is simply associated with
aging, and don’t know how to recognize the condition or who is qualified to diagnose and treat the
condition. In an effort to raise public awareness for the growing number of Americans suffering
from hearing loss, Holzer Clinic in conjunction with the American Academy of Audiology is
celebrating Better Hearing Month this May.
As part of Better Hearing Month, Holzer Clinic is encouraging consumers to be more aware of
their hearing health.
“Hearing loss can be caused by exposure to loud noises; ear infections, trauma, or ear
disease; harm to the inner ear and ear drum; illness or certain medications; and deterioration
due to normal aging process,” explains Roxanne Groff, MA, Audiologist at Holzer Clinic.
An audiologist is a highly educated and clinically experienced health-care professional who
specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating people with hearing loss and balance disorders.
Hearing loss can affect patients of all ages—newborns, infants, babies, toddlers, children, teens,
adults, and the elderly.
You may have a problem with your hearing and need to see an audiologist, if you have trouble
hearing conversation in a noisy environment such as a restaurant, are unable to hear people talk
to you without looking at them, or have a constant ringing or pain in your ears.
The first step in treatment of a hearing problem is a hearing evaluation by an audiologist.
Holzer Clinic’s audiologists have a variety of specialties to include, but not limited to:
- Performing Hearing evaluations on newborns and infants
- Prescribing and fitting hearing aids
- Assisting with cochlear implant programs
- Performing ear- or hearing-related surgical monitoring
- Designing and implementing hearing conservation programs and newborn hearing screening
programs
- Providing hearing rehabilitation training such as
- Auditory training
- Speech reading
- Listening skills improvement
Although most hearing loss is permanent, an audiologist can determine the best treatment,
which may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and hearing rehabilitation.
If you or a loved one has difficulty hearing during normal conversations, it is a good idea
to have a hearing evaluation. Visit one of our experienced staff today: Kimberly Jenkins, MS, CCC-A
(Gallipolis); Loretta Lauder, MA, CCC-A (Gallipolis & Jackson); Roxanne Groff, MA (Athens & Jackson);
Kimberly Smith, MS (Liberty Circle - Proctorville)
Holzer Clinic Audiology Department Locations
Athens 740-589-3100
Gallipolis 740-446-5135
Jackson 740-395-8801
Proctorville/Liberty Circle 740-886-9371
Holzer Clinic… Medical Excellence, Local Caring.
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