One out of every eight Americans has hearing loss in both ears, according to a new study -- and as many as one in five are hard of hearing on at least one side. Researchers found that hearing problems were more common in men than in women and in whites than in blacks. As expected, they also increased with age.

“If you’re age 50 and over, you should schedule an annual hearing screening,” explains Linda Carleton, MS, F-AAA, Clinical Audiologist with Hannibal Regional Medical Group. A study by the National Council on Aging showed hearing aids benefit relationships, activities, and quality of life. “Today’s digital hearing aids are sophisticated instruments that deliver better sound quality than ever before, with many different features and benefits” says Carleton. “The appropriate style for you depends on your level of hearing loss, lifestyle and budget.”

There are many instruments Carleton uses in diagnosing hearing loss - including a state-of-the-art hearing booth. The soundproof booth prevents unwanted noise from entering the test environment and affecting the integrity of the procedure. The booth is also convenient for patients in that it is wheelchair accessible. In addition to the booth, Carleton uses an audiometer and the “Titan,” which is a handheld screener that evaluates the entire auditory pathway. With this one instrument, Carleton can perform otoacoustic emission tests, auditory brainstem response tests (ABR) and tympanometry exams.

To make an appointment for a hearing screening, call 573-629-3500. For more information on hearing loss or to see if you are at risk for hearing loss, visit Healthy Living at hannibalregionalmedicalgroup.org and take the Quick Hearing Test.