Father’s Day brings about an array of emotions from happiness, to joy, to memories of special times spent with your father, or fatherly figure. Often times the memories are laced with smiles, laughter, and family time together. However, this isn’t always the case. Many people struggle with family gatherings or following a conversation in a group when they have been dealing with a diagnosis of hearing loss.
Have you noticed yourself, or your dad, or maybe grandfather retreating to secluded corners to take in the festivities? Or maybe you’ve realized you’ve needed to repeat yourself multiple times when talking to a loved one. This Father’s Day, let’s help our loved ones rejoin the conversation. If your Father needs help hearing better, we offer high-quality hearing aids in Springfield, MO to help him get back into the conversation.
Prevalence of Hearing Loss
Approximately 36 million Americans report some form of hearing loss. One or two of these 36 million are bound to be someone you may know in either your family or even different groups of people with which you associate. One of these 36 million may also be your father. Or it may be you that has difficulty hearing. The Hearing Health Foundation reports that since the year 2000, the number of Americans with hearing loss has almost doubled! Hearing loss is now documented as the second most prevalent health condition globally.
Why the Increase?
Why has the prevalence of hearing loss increased so significantly in the last 15 years? Overall, noise-induced hearing loss and age-related hearing loss have increased due to the growing population of those over the age of 65 along with individuals being exposed to excessively louder volumes in today’s society. Americans are overexposed to hazardous noise levels from both work and leisure activities.
Americans are also living longer. The Hearing Health Foundation reports that 33% of Americans between the age of 65-74 have hearing loss. Additionally, 50% of individuals above the age of 75 have a diagnosis of hearing loss. Other reasons hearing loss may occur can be, but are not limited to, ear infections, ear trauma, ear disease, and illness or certain medications. Considering these types of hearing losses, often it is difficult to recognize the cause specifically. All in all, people are living longer and the population in need of amplification is simply growing.
Understanding the Signs of Hearing Loss
You or a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss. You may seem to have difficulty hearing or communicating in noisy environments. You may feel that you can hear when someone is talking in that environment, but you cannot understand clearly the words they are saying. You may also feel people in general seem to ‘mumble’ or not enunciate properly.
Other signs of hearing loss are when you feel you aren’t hearing or understanding what someone is saying unless they’re facing you during a conversation. Additionally, you may be hearing ringing or buzzing in your ears during any or all of the aforementioned situations which may significantly distract you or hinder you from conversation. Any or all of these may be occurring with you or a family member. There are many different ways to address the issue whether you’re effected yourself, or it’s a loved one.
Seeking Treatment for Hearing Loss
If you feel you have a loss, or know someone that may be experiencing hearing loss, it’s important to recognize it as soon as possible so it can be addressed properly. It’s important to seek out professional assessment and guidance. Any one of our professionals at Hearing Wellness Solutions would be happy to assist you in taking the next step in regards to your hearing health. We know that it is a sensitive, yet emotionally charged, decision in simply admitting there is a loss. We are confident in knowing how to move forward with you or your family member in treating the loss and building an exceptional quality of life. If you feel you need assistance taking the next step, we are here for you.
How do I help a loved one with hearing loss?
This Father’s Day, you may be interested in getting a set of hearing aids for your father or grandfather in order to help improve their quality of life. We are happy to help you and your loved one in this process. Please feel free to contact us at Hearing Wellness Solution to set up an appointment where we will begin the process of better hearing health with you and your loved one. Give the gift of hearing and bring your loved one back into the conversation.
