An estimated 28 million people suffer directly from varying
degrees of hearing loss.ÊHearing loss not only affects you it
can also affect countless family members, friends and coworkers
as well.ÊAs America’s population ages, hearing loss has
become increasingly prevalent; 70 percent of all impaired sufferers
are over age 45.ÊAccording to the National Center for Health
Statistics, hearing impairment is the third most common problem
affecting the Baby Boom generation.
Hearing loss is invisible and almost always painless.ÊThere
are no physical warning signs, except for the occasional cases
of tinnitus or ringing in the ear(s).ÊMost hearing losses develop
over a period of 25 to 30 years and often gradually worsens with
age.ÊTypically between the ages of 45 to 60, there can be enough
deterioration to interfere with communication.
Hearing researchers believe that hearing loss in older adults
is the accumulation of two or more causes, such as exposure to
loud noise, family history or simply the natural aging process.ÊIn
most cases there is damage to the microscopic hairs (cilia) in
the inner ear causing irreversible hearing loss.
Hearing loss can significantly reduce your quality of life.ÊIt
can restrict your ability to interact with others, prevent you
from hearing vital information, cause misunderstandings, heighten
stress and cause unnecessary fatigue.
Early identification plays a vital role in limiting the adverse
affects of hearing loss.ÊIt can start with a complete hearing
evaluation from an Audibel Hearing Care Professional and a few
words of encouragement from family and friends.
At Audibel Hearing Center hearing evaluations are free to those
who call for an appointment (770-461-3704).
