Good Health Blog

Screening attempts to detect disease in people who do not know that they have the condition. In the case of hearing loss, screening could lead to earlier detection in people who are not aware that their hearing is changing. It also may detect hearing loss in people who think their hearing may be getting worse but who have not chosen to talk to a health care professional about it. One potential benefit of detecting hearing loss early may be to prevent additional hearing loss through early treatment. Another possible benefit may occur if people who have not recognized their hearing loss or who have not wanted to talk to a health care provider about it discover – after they have been diagnosed and receive a hearing aid – that the untreated hearing loss was having a significant negative effect on their daily life.

Recently, the US Preventative health Task Force did not find enough evidence to prove or disprove that hearing screening would result in these potential benefits. The Task Force also found little evidence on potential harms. However, it is unlikely that there are important harms associated with screening and treatment for hearing loss, including the use of hearing aids.

How should you decide whether to be screened for hearing loss?
Consider your own health and lifestyle. Think about your personal beliefs and preferences for health care. Talk with your health care professional if you are concerned about your hearing or think your hearing may be getting worse.

In the average week eDoc.net receives many emails from ‘health sites’ requesting that we partner them or add banners or advertisments. We politely refuse. eDoc.net maintains it’s independence from commercial sites by sticking to our one goal – to provide sound, researched and recommended preventative health advice. With the minimum of fuss you should be able to determine what health recommendations, screening tests and investigations your should be doing in this year of your life.

There are no advertisements on this site. We are not selling any vitamins, minerals or exercise machines. The links provided with each preventative health recommendation have been researched as providing current and comprehensive advice. The sort of information that I would provide for my patients.

If you are searching the internet for health advice there is probably one guiding rule that I would recommend people follow. It the site sells you a product then it is not likely to be unbiased. This is not to say that it is not telling the truth, but independent advice is literally that – independent of product.

The internet can provide a wealth of health information and advice. When looking for advice use common sense and ensure the information has a legitimate and peer reviewed basis.