MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Jul 18, 2011) - (Family Features) Hearing loss affects over 30 million Americans -- and it's not just a problem for the elderly. The majority (65 percent) of people with hearing loss are actually younger than age 65. There are more than six million people in the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 44 with hearing loss, and nearly one and a half million are school age, according to the Better Hearing Institute.
Because hearing has a profound effect on quality of life, it's important to know how to recognize hearing loss, and what can be done about it.
Signs of Hearing Loss
Do you:
Then it's time to see your doctor and ask about referrals to an otolaryngologist (a specialist who can investigate the cause of hearing loss) or an audiologist (a specialist who will measure hearing loss).
Many people think that their physician will tell them during their physicals if they have a hearing problem. But in reality, only about 14 percent of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss. That's why it's important to talk with your healthcare provider and get screened if you exhibit hearing loss signs.
Better Living with Hearing Loss
It's an unpleasant reality -- aging can take a toll on hearing. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), 1 in 3 people older than 60 -- and half of those older than 85 -- have hearing loss.
Hearing problems can make it difficult to respond to warnings, understand and follow doctor's advice, and even to hear doorbells and alarms. The good news is that there are many assistive technologies that can make living with hearing loss easier.
Even the seemingly little things can make a big difference. For older seniors using hearing aids, getting the small batteries out of the package can be an exercise in frustration, as can losing those tiny batteries. Stress can also cause or exacerbate hearing loss. Packaging can ease this frustration and stress. The EZ Turn & Lock packaging for Energizer hearing aid batteries is an example of a user-focused solution that keeps the batteries from falling out, but has an easy-to-turn dial that lets you get them out when you need them with no trouble at all. Find out more at www.energizer.com.
You can learn more about hearing loss at The Better Hearing Institute www.betterhearing.org, and the Hearing Loss Association of America www.hearingloss.org.
All the Better to Hear You With
There are a surprising number of people who could benefit from hearing aids that don't wear them. But those that do wear them report a significant improvement in quality of life.
A survey by the Better Hearing Institute found that, of the hearing aid wearers that responded:
Today's hearing aids are not the big, clunky ones you may remember. There are sizes and styles to fit every lifestyle, and many are winning awards for their design.
Hearing Aid FAQ
Learn more about getting the most out of hearing aids and hearing aid batteries at www.energizer.com.
Ask Before You Buy
Before buying hearing aids, the hearing experts at NIDCD say you should ask a few questions:
Not all insurance will cover hearing aids, but AARP members can save 20 percent on hearing aids and hearing care through the AARP Hearing Care Program provided by HearUSA. Visit www.aarphealthcare.com for details.
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