Did you know...
Approximately 30 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss, ranging from mild to severe?*
10 million Americans have suffered irreversible noise-induces hearing loss, and 30 million moe are exposed to dangerous noise levels each day*
Approximately 31% of people over age 65 have hearing loss and 40 to 50% of people 75 and older have hearing loss*
Only 1 out of 5 people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually wears one*
Most people wait five to seven years before solving their hearing problem. That's five to seven years you're missing out on*
*compilied from fact sheets produced by the NIDCD
5 Steps to Better Hearing:
Hearing is a physical and mental process. Both need to work in harmony for hearing success.
1. Have your hearing checked regularly. If a problem is suspected, seek help from a hearing professional. Most people wait five to seven years before solving their hearing problem. That's five to seven years you're missing out on.
2. Learn all you can about your particular loss and work with a hearing professional to determine the best solution for you.
3. Keep a positive attitude while you seek help. Much of you rsuccess with your hearing aid will depend on your attitude, your desire to learn, and a determination to increase your ability to hear. A positive attitude is crucial to improved hearing.
4. Set realistic expectations. Hearing aids will help you hear better, but cannot restore your hearing.
5. Practice, time and patience. The transition to hearing aids requires practice. It's an investment that usually begins to pay dividends within 45 days. Remember, the more you wear your hearing aids, the better your experience will be.
What Can You Do?Left untreated, hearing loss can affect a person's quility of life in many ways. Yet without even realizing it, ou nay be making it easier for someone not to seek help. Well-intentioned efforts such as repeating yourself or "translating" what otherss are saying may be preventing your loved one from realizing how much communication they fail to under stand or miss completely.
The following are some positive steps you can take in order to help them find the help they need:
1. Talk to your friend about their hearing concerns
2. Inform your friend of the latest advancements in hearing aid technology
3. Tell your friend about your experience with our hearing professional
4. Inform your friend that better hearing is a phone call away
Hearing clearly again will have a positive impact on everyone's life, opening doors to new experiences and relationships. Don't let them put it off any longer.
