World Flight for Hearing

When you first start to notice the initial symptoms of hearing loss, it is important that you step up and acknowledge the problem before it can progress. If you, or a loved one, starts experiencing muffled hearing, difficulty understanding conversations (especially when there is background noise), or the need to increase the volume of the TV/radio, bring the problem to the attention of your doctor. It may seem sillyso what if you have to turn up the volume a little bitbut technology today makes it possible to fight the problem of hearing loss head on. Previous generations tended to put off getting hearing aids much later than they should have. Studies show that untreated hearing loss can cause problems in multiple areas of your life. Socially, patients with untreated hearing loss are much more likely to be depressed and avoid social situations compared with those with hearing aids. Economically, it is proven that those hard of hearing without hearing aids get paid substantially less than those with treatment. (more…)

Apart from the obviousbeing able to hear betterhearing aids are proving to increase customer’s level of life satisfaction. In fact, a recent study reported increased happiness in 5 different areas of lifefor both the hearing aid user and their family members. The study of over 2,000 adults reported that relationships at home improved 66 for hearing aid users and 56 for family members. The feelings about self improved 60, satisfaction with life overall improved 62 (48 for family members), relationships with children and grandchildren improved 50, and the increase in social activities was around 30. On the other hand, the study determined adults 50 and older with untreated hearing loss are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and paranoia. If you read these stats and think you could use some improvement in these areas, maybe a hearing aid would be good for you too. The first step is to get your hearing tested. If you have a hearing loss problem, there are many hearing aid options out there for you. We recommend asking your doctor about Miracle-Ear, Siemens, or Phonak. Miracle ear offers the new ME1000 Open Fit and ME1000 which are virtually invisible to the eyes of others. Siemens offers an online product finder to help you find the right hearing aid for you, and Phonak now features the new Audeo ZIP which fits deep inside your ear and delivers state of the art technology to get your hearing back up to par. Even if you only suffer the slightest side effects of hearing loss, get your hearing checked and talk to a doctor before it progresses any further. Remember that hearing loss is gradual, so catching it early means less severe consequences in the future. Hearing aids can change your life as well as the life of your friends and families. Stop asking ‘what?’, ‘can you repeat that, please’, and start focusing on the finer things in life.

If you or someone you know has a hearing impairment, you understand the hardships associated with being hard of hearing. Instead of looking at hearing loss as a negative thing, try looking at it as an opportunity to push yourself to be all you can be. People with hearing impairments are capable of doing the same activities as normal hearing folks; they just require a little extra assistance. Luckily for them, the ‘assistance’ required to live a normal life is now widely available in the form of technology. Whether its hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other sound enhancing technology, former deaf lifestyles are now able to listen to the ocean, whisper among friends, and enjoy the comfort of a regular conversation. (more…)