An estimated 28 million people suffer directly from varying degrees of hearing loss. Hearing loss not only affects you it can also affect countless family members, friends and coworkers as well. As America’s population ages, hearing loss has become increasingly prevalent; 70 percent of all impaired sufferers are over age 45. According 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. There are no physical warning signs, except for the occasional cases of tinnitus or ringing in the ear(s). Most hearing losses develop over a period of 25 to 30 years and often gradually worsens with age. Typically 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. In 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. It 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. It 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.
