Approximately 30% of adults between the ages of 65 and 74 are affected by hearing loss, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). However, since hearing loss is painless and slow to occur, many don’t realize they need a hearing aid. In fact, only one out of five people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually wears one. May is Better Hearing and Speech Month and is a great time to remind readers of the signs they should be on the lookout for when it comes to hearing loss and whether a hearing aid could be beneficial.
Hearing Loss Signs:
Lack of hearing starts to interfere with your normal way of life
Having trouble understanding people on the phone
Have a hard time following a conversation when two people are speaking at the same time
You misunderstand others when they are talking to you
Family and friends complain that you keep the TV and radio too loud
You are constantly told you’re talking too loud in normal conversation situations
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms the NIDCD recommends making an appointment with an audiologist. It’s important to remember only a licensed professional can diagnose hearing loss.
DID YOU KNOW?
Earbuds enable music lovers to enjoy their favorite tunes uninterrupted and without distracting others around them. People often use earbuds while commuting to work, at the gym and even at home. But according to hearing aid manufacturer Beltone, noise-induced hearing loss can occur by using earbuds at a high volume for extended periods of time. Earbuds can put audio signals close to the inner ear, which is the equivalent of boosting it by nine decibels. Even moderately high volume can cause hearing loss. It’s important to keep the volume low and to take frequent breaks when using earbuds. Keep earbud volume below 60 percent and wear them for no more than 60 minutes per day.
