Simply put, hearing loss is a reduction in your ability to hear. Impaired hearing makes hearing and understanding speech and other sounds difficult. Hearing loss affects anyone at any age. The statistics regarding hearing loss are eye-opening:
- 5 million individuals in the United States report some degree of hearing loss.
- Fifty percent of adults over the age of 75 have a disabling hearing loss.
- 2-3 of every 1,000 babies born in the U.S. have a detectable hearing loss in at least one ear.
- Of adults ages 20-69 who can benefit from hearing aids, only 16 percent use them.
- The average delay time between being affected by hearing loss and seeking treatment is seven years.
If a loved one, a friend or perhaps you have a loss of hearing, there are steps you can take to manage the hearing loss more effectively. There are also bad habits that can accompany a loss of hearing. Following are a few do’s and don’ts surrounding the loss of hearing.
The Do’s Of Hearing Loss
If you have a hearing loss, it is essential to seek professional help as soon as possible. Here are a few good practices regarding hearing care:
- Get your hearing checked regularly by a hearing healthcare professional.
- Realize that your hearing ability affects your family, friends, co-workers, and others around you.
- Locate a hearing healthcare professional in your area.
- Talk to others who experience hearing loss.
The Don’ts Of Hearing Loss
It can be simple to develop bad habits regarding the care of your hearing loss. Please don’t fall into one of the following traps:
- Do not ignore hearing loss or think it will get better on its own.
- Do not believe you are too young for hearing loss.
- Try not to stop going out with friends because you are uncertain of your hearing abilities.
- Do not believe that hearing loss only affects your hearing ability. Untreated hearing loss links to many health problems including depression, social isolation, and dementia.
- Do not be afraid because hearing loss is treatable.
The Do’s And Don’ts Of Hearing Aids
There are good and bad habits involving the care of your hearing aids. A few of these include:
- Do make sure your hearing aids work.
- Do always store your hearing aids in a cool, dry, and safe place.
- Do pay close attention to your batteries
- Do be careful with hairspray and makeup.
- Do allow yourself an adequate amount of time to adjust to your hearing aids.
- Do schedule regular follow up appointments with a hearing healthcare
- Don’t forget to check your hearing aids daily.
- Don’t leave hearing aids out in direct sunlight, heat, or moisture.
- Don’t forget to conserve your batteries.
- Don’t store batteries in the refrigerator.
- Don’t try out your hearing aids while swimming.
- Don’t try to repair your hearing aids.
- Don’t give up.
Take Care Of Your Hearing
One set of ears is all we get, so do take care of your hearing. If you are experiencing problems hearing and understanding, schedule an appointment with our hearing healthcare professional today!
