CAN YOU ANSWER YES TO
ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS?
- Do you often feel like the people around you are mumbling?
- Do you tend to turn the TV up louder than others family members.
- Do you often ask people to repeat?
- Do you feel uncomfortable not hearing well in social situations?
- Do you feel your memory is getting worse?
If so, these are all indicators that you may have a hearing loss.
Are You Noticing Your Loved
Ones are Having Difficulty
Hearing?
Someone having trouble hearing or understanding speech will frequently ask you to repeat. They will frequently ask questions like, “what?, I’m sorry?, pardon?, huh?, come again?, aye?, etc….” Noticeable gestures may include cupping their ear toward sounds, leaning into sounds or leaning forward.
You may also notice them watching your lip movements and paying special attention to your own gestures to try to comprehend what you are saying.
Is it Time To See A Hearing Professional?
Unfortunately, it is not often that a person will seek help from a Hearing Specialist on their own without prompting from their loved ones or friends. Reasons for this are because of old mis-perceived stigmas associated with the admission of a hearing difficulty. Many think it only happens if you are old and that everyone will see the hearing aid.
The truth is that trouble hearing can arise from many sources including something as simple as seasonal allergies, childhood illnesses or repeated exposure to loud noises. Hearing aids today are very small about the size of a small paper clip or even smaller. If you know someone that would benefit from hearing amplification, please urge them to seek help. They will thank you in the long run.
Consequences of Hearing Loss
Increased listening effort
When fewer sounds are heard, it’s harder for the brain to recognize sounds. It has to fill in the
gaps, which requires more listening effort and leads to fatigue.
Increased mental load
When sounds are missing it is harder to determine what people are saying and what’s
happening. This increases the mental load on the brain and leaves less mental capacity for
staying engaged in the conversation.
Reorganized brain functionality
Without enough stimulation in the hearing center, the visual center and other senses start to compensate, which changes the function of the brain.
Social isolation and depression
People with untreated hearing loss can end up avoiding social gatherings because they’re
unable to cope with complex sound environments.
Cognitive Decline and Demetia
Researchers have concluded there is a definite association between hearing loss and cognitive decline/dementia
Poor balance and fall-related injuries
Untreated hearing loss can affect balance, increasing the risk of fall-related injuries.
Major Hearing Aid Brands
