Audiology

The numbers are alarming: One in three over 60 has a significant hearing loss. And half of all people over age 85 are significantly impacted.

Hearing loss often occurs gradually, so we tend to tolerate the change. Then, one day we discover the people we love the most are frustrated because even the simplest things are made more difficult. The effect is often life-altering when we avoid dealing with a simple hearing loss. That’s why we offer the area’s premiere audiology services with the area’s most trustworthy hearing professionals. With their expert help, you can return to the life you’ve been missing.

If you suspect you have a hearing loss, talk to your practitioner. They can help you sort through how your hearing relates to your overall health and provide a referral, if necessary, to our Audiologist.

You can also contact The Specialty Clinic at Southwest Health for more information: 608-342-5060.

More On Hearing Loss

Hearing loss related to age (called presbycusis) is the result of changes to:

  • The structures of the inner ear
  • Blood flow to the inner ear
  • The hearing nerve
  • How the brain processes speech and sounds

Presbycusis is typically a loss of hearing high-pitched sounds, and it’s difficult to notice because it changes subtlety over time. Common symptoms include having difficulty hearing female voices, children’s voices, background noise, and the loss of speech clarity. Hearing loss due to aging can be worsened by other factors, such as diabetes, poor circulation, noise exposure, and certain medications.

People with untreated hearing loss (those who do not wear hearing aids) experience a decreased quality of life. When left untreated, hearing loss can lead to sadness, depression, anxiety, paranoia, and poor social relationships.