If you’ve been struggling to hear, it’s time to acknowledge the reality of hearing loss, and do something about it. Nearly 40 million Americans have hearing loss, but only around one third of those straining to hear are doing anything about it. Seniors, adults, teenagers, and children are at greater risk of hearing loss now than ever before, and opening up about your hearing loss is the best way to make sure everyone is hearing clearly.
Signs of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss has a huge effect on your ability to clearly hear speech. While you might hear most of what someone has said, hearing loss distorts the clarity of speech, and even if someone repeats themselves or speaks louder, you still won’t quite be able to understand them. Has your family been complaining that you’re always turning up the volume on the TV, or can’t hear them when you talk on the phone? Do you often sleep through your alarm clock, or fail to hear someone call your name from another room? If any of these signs sound familiar, you probably have hearing loss.
Living with untreated hearing loss will make you less active, and you’ll choose to stay home rather than walking around the block, or meeting your friends across town for a drink. You’ll face social isolation and loneliness, and those with hearing loss are far more likely to face depression. You will also experience more rapid cognitive decline, and you’ll spend so much energy just straining to hear that you won’t be able to focus on tasks, accomplish goals, or engage with the people you care about the most.
Avoiding Hearing Loss
Why do 2 out of every 3 people who can’t hear avoiding talking about their hearing loss? The answer lies in how we think about hearing. If you have been noticing changes to your vision, you have no problem going to the optometrist and getting a pair of glasses. But when it comes to hearing loss, there’s a stigma around seeking treatment, and many people are afraid to talk about their hearing health for fear of being judged. Are you worried that talking about your hearing loss will make you seem old? Many people think family and friends might treat them differently if they talk about their hearing loss, or think of them as being old.
Acknowledging the Reality of Hearing Loss
Unlike what you might imagine, your family will be very supportive if you open up to them about your hearing loss. They’ll encourage you to seek treatment, go with you to appointments, and help you adjust to your new devices. If they know you’re struggling to hear, they’ll talk into your good ear, turn down the background music, and do everything they can to help you follow the conversation.
When you open up about your hearing loss, not only will you be improving your quality of life, you’ll be encouraging others to do the same. You might be surprised by how many of your friends come forward to share that they’ve also been struggling to hear. You’re not alone, and you can all work towards better hearing together.
Investing in Hearing aids
After you’ve acknowledged the reality of hearing loss, the next step is to invest in hearing aids, and treat your hearing loss. Modern hearing technology will shock and amaze you, and you’ll be delighted by all the programs available to choose from. Worried about following conversations? Hearing aids will give you clear speech comprehension even in places with a lot of background noise. Want to get connected? Hearing technology can connect seamlessly to your iPhone, and stream audio, music, phone calls, or even driving directions right to your ears. Are you missing music? You can get a device that has the best in music listening, giving your favorite song it’s rich, full sound once again.
Neighborhood Hearing Aid Center
If you’re ready to do the right thing for your health and well-being, visit us today at Neighborhood Hearing Aid Center for a hearing test, and to explore your hearing aid options. We’ll make it easy to acknowledge the reality of hearing loss, and you can start your journey to clear hearing today.