What's The Big Deal About Hearing Loss?

There are more than 30 million Americans who suffer from
hearing loss. Although hearing loss is common in seniors
over the age of 65, it is now affecting more youngsters and
baby boomers. Statistics have shown that about 14% of
people between the ages of 45 and 64 have some hearing
loss. This is significant as hearing loss can adversely
affect them at work and in their personal life.

Hearing loss at work

Hearing loss can lead to miscommunication with co-workers
and prevent you from participating fully at meetings.
Co-workers may become frustrated from having to repeat
themselves or at your lack of participation. Communication
problems lead to lower work productivity, which can be
construed as your incompetence at the job. Ultimately,
untreated hearing loss at work can cause financial loss to
the company and can even cost you your job.

Hearing loss and relationships

Hearing loss can have a negative effect on relationships
with friends and family. Turning up the volume on the
television or stereo can be too noisy for others. People
may become irritated or frustrated if you keep asking them
to repeat themselves. As the hearing loss worsens, you may
withdraw from conversations and become less sociable.
Eventually, you may experience sadness or depression as
others communicate less with you.

How to know if you have hearing loss

You may not recognize the early signs of hearing loss.
Most hearing loss is a gradual process and over time you
will begin to stop hearing softer noises or those of a
different pitch. You may be asking people to speak up or
you may turn up the volume on your television and stereo.
Often you may hear fine in a quiet environment but have
trouble hearing when there are background noises. You may
begin to think that others are mumbling when you can't make
out all the words. Eventually, you find yourself
communicating better when you are looking at the other
person's face.

What you can do

At the first sign of hearing loss, you should visit a
hearing specialist. He or she can perform a hearing test
to determine your type and level of hearing loss.

If the hearing loss can be treated medically, you will be
referred to a medical professional. Otherwise, hearing aids
are commonly used to treat permanent hearing loss. They can
improve your hearing significantly.

Nowadays, hearing aids come in trendy colors, shapes, sizes
and styles to suit people of all ages. They are now even
smaller, with better sound quality and advanced features.

By seeking help sooner, you reduce the financial and social
costs associated with your hearing loss.

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Only one out of five people who could benefit from a
hearing aid actually wears one. There are many types of
hearing aids to suit almost every type and degree of
hearing loss, and budget. Check out our hearing aid
comparisons at http://www.abouthearingaid.com/art-deal