May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month (formerly Better Hearing and Speech Month). Hearing is about more than using your ears to hear sounds. Hearing is how we connect with our family and friends. It is how we communicate with our doctors, grocers, servers, tellers, cashiers and others. There is much research that shows the correlation between untreated hearing loss and memory loss, depression, social isolation, and falls. Hearing sound keeps our brains stimulated, as does conversation with others.
Let’s talk about how we can support better hearing. First, schedule a hearing check up! Everyone should have a baseline test on their hearing. If you already know you have hearing loss, you should be rescreened every 12-18 months.
Know the signs of early hearing loss. Do people sound like they mumble? Does your family complain you turn the TV volume up too loud? Does your family complain about having to repeat all the time? Do you avoid groups or noisy settings because it is difficult to understand. Do you feel fatigued after being in social situations? It can be exhausting trying to understand and follow conversations.
If you live with someone with hearing loss, here is how you can help. Walk into the room and face them when speaking. Get their attention before you start talking. If they are struggling to understand something, rephrase it. Mute the TV when speaking. Speak slightly louder and slightly slower. Don’t yell! Most of all, be patient. It is frustrating for both of you!
Protect your ears from loud sounds. Even if you used to work in a noisy environment, you still need to protect your ears now. Noise induced hearing loss is ongoing, not a one-shot deal. If you target practice, use skill saws or chainsaws, weed wackers or edgers, or if you mow the yard…wear ear protection. You cannot control loss of hearing from normal aging, but you can control noise induced hearing loss.
Call Gardner Audiology today to schedule an appointment at one of our locations to have your hearing checked. Call 800-277-1182 or email info@gardneraudiology.com. To schedule an appointment with us online, click here!
