Hearing Loss - A Much Too Quiet Life

“What?” “Pardon me?” “Excuse me?” “Come again?” “What’s that?” “Huh?”

Hearing loss, tinnitus, and auditory processing disorders are part of a disability group called “hidden disability”, or a disability that is not easily noticed by an onlooker. For decades, those with hidden disabilities have quietly suffered due to stigma associated with their condition. Those with hearing loss have many other associated medical conditions including balance issues, cognitive decline, and depression. Although addressing hearing loss is beneficial to health, communication, activities of daily living, and social life, there is a historical pattern of patients shying away from treatment options. Due to efforts by organizations and individuals across the world, there is much more education and acceptance in regards to hidden disabilities such as hearing loss. 

I feel fortunate to be a doctor, educator, and advocate in today’s era of hearing healthcare. The age of Audiology as a profession is a relatively young one (about 80 years old). We have many new developments in hearing research and hearing/ear/processing testing methods. As we learn more every year, I am excited to implement new standards of healthcare to my patients for better outcomes. 

In today’s era, patients are no longer blind to their options in healthcare. We are now able to do extensive online searches for medical information including: symptom checkers, online blood and saliva tests, DIY medical treatment options, and research papers of all sorts.  A mistake many healthcare workers make is to not adapt their counseling to the needs of the informed patient. Patients deserve a transparent and thorough explanation of test results, the implications of those results, and clear options for treatment. Unfortunately, this experience is rare and has contributed to a sense of distrust and skepticism towards doctors and their medical opinions. The world of hearing health is no different and I aim to rebuild that trust in our community. 

I am proud to be able to provide my patients with comprehensive hearing and auditory processing evaluations for the purpose of preventative healthcare, investigation of ear disease, and treatment of hearing loss, tinnitus, and auditory processing disorders. My purpose in opening Santa Rosa Hearing Specialists, inc. is to provide our community with transparent, comprehensive, honest, patient-centered, and thorough information regarding their hearing health and treatment options. 

Victoria Beene, Au.D., CH-TM