AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION

Hearing is precious and worth protecting. To help you prevent hearing loss:

• Avoid loud noises when you can. Either turn down the sound or step away from the noise.

• If you can’t avoid the noise, protect your ears by wearing earmuffs or earplugs.

Expert Advice

And there are more reasons to see a doctor fi rst.

Hearing problems may be caused by things other than aging or long-time noise exposure. They can be a sign of a serious condition. Or they may be caused by something fairly simple, like excess earwax that your doctor can remove. Always see a doctor if you have:

• Dizziness with hearing loss.

• Ea r drainage.

• Hearing loss that comes on suddenly or is di fferent in one ear.

• Pa in in your ear.

Other considerations should also be made, such as whether your insurance plan covers OTC hearing aids.

“Also, most OTC hearing aids will come with very limited support and likely no in-person support,” Dr. Tittle says. “Imagine trying to service your car when the check engine light comes on but you’re not a mechanic. That can be very frustrating and for most people, near impossible.”

If you do need a hearing aid, you may decide that you want a hearing health pro to help you choose one that best meets your needs and your lifestyle. Learn more at lakeregional.com/Hearing.