Staying active not only keeps us fit and engaged- but it’s also perhaps the most key pilar supporting a higher quality of life – in other words the standard for one’s health, comfort, and happiness. When we are younger, it’s easy to stay active, but as we age it becomes more of a challenge. Health issues can compile, it can be difficult to find community and we often fall into sedentary routines. It’s important to do what we can to support our health, for ourselves and those who love and support us. One key health element which often goes overlooked as we age is hearing loss. One in three people over the age of 65 struggle with a hearing loss and this number jumps to one in two for those 75 and older. It’s important to do what we can to prevent a hearing loss and it’s most often a permanent condition but if you do have a hearing loss it’s important to treat it as soon as possible. Support an active and healthy lifestyle by treating your hearing loss.
The Importance of Normal Hearing
Hearing loss often comes on subtly and develops overtime. This means that at first just certain tones or consonants go missing from words and sentences. As it progresses your brain must work harder to piece together conversation with missing pieces, becoming more common. This can make socialization start to feel like a chore as it becomes ripe with misunderstandings and confusion. On the other side of the conversation people may mistake a hearing loss for you not being interested in what they are saying, seeming distracted or disinterested. This can take a toll on the relationships you have at home and at work, as well as make you less likely to try new things, go new places and make new friends. Instead, it’s all too common for those who don’t treat their hearing loss to become socially withdrawn, lonely, depressed and much less likely to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
Hearing Aids: A Whole New World
Many people are not aware they even have a hearing loss, but as miscommunications compile it becomes increasingly more difficult to ignore. On average it takes people 7-10 years from the time that people suspect they have a hearing loss to take action around their hearing. While hearing loss is permanent, hearing aids can amplify the sounds you struggle with making it easier to connect to the people in your life, be more aware of your surroundings and stay active. Part of what keeps people from addressing a hearing loss sooner is people’s conceptions of what hearing aids mean. Many mistake them for bulky, feedback prone devices of the 80’s and 90’s, while other associate them with making them seem old and feeble. In reality, hearing aids work to dispel these rumors, by helping you to be more alert, more engaged and more independent – free to live and enjoy the life you love.
What to Expect in the World of Hearing Aids
Today’s hearing aids are incredibly advanced and tiny devices, coming in a wide range of styles with features to enhance your hearing, even in the most difficult of situations. These hearing instruments have benefitted from significant innovations that have strengthened connectivity, greater sound quality, and expanded capabilities. Some things to expect from new hearing aids include:
- Enhanced listening ability with optimal digital processing so they can be adjusted to specificly for your individual hearing needs. Now compatible with your phone programing can be modified by you or remotely by your audiologist.
- Bluetooth technology makes connecting to your smartphone, TV or stereo wireless a breeze. Bluetooth technology uses radiowaves to connect wirelessly and cutting down on distracting background noise so you can focus on media without distraction.
- Reduced background noise cancels out background noise, making it easier to hear in crowded situations. Similarly they can cut down on wind noise if you enjoy the outdoors.
- If you are active, or live in a humid environment, enjoy water resistance to help protect your important investment.
Address Your Hearing Loss Today!
Don’t let hearing loss become a barrier to the active lifestyle you used to love. Take action around your hearing loss today and schedule a hearing consultation with us now!