in one ear...
Pop quiz: Which of your senses is most important? Taste? Smell? Sight? It might be a subjective call, but if you stop and think about it, it’s probably hearing. Someone who knew, Helen Keller, was once asked whether she would rather have her sight or hearing back. She said it was hearing, because sight is a sense of objects, while hearing is communicating with the world.
So why is it, according to many audiologists, that people who suffer hearing loss wait on average 5 to 7 years to do anything about it? John Salisbury, Au.D., of Clifton Springs Hearing, has heard many reasons from patients he has worked with, from not realizing their hearing was declining, to not wanting to wear a hearing device others might see. But he thinks the main reasons are more emotional. “Overall,” he says, “it may just be that we can’t believe we’re getting older, and hearing assistance is something our grandfathers used to need, but not us.” He also says that many children or grandchildren of people with hearing aids know the wearer had a difficult time with their device and think they might as well.
John and his staff of audiologists know it’s unfortunate that this seven-year gap exists, because the earlier hearing loss is treated, the better the outcome. This is because treatment is not just a physiologic process, but also a mental one. When hearing is improved through amplification, a whole new world opens of sounds unheard for a long time, and it takes time to adjust to hearing these unfamiliar sounds again.
Do you think you might be starting to lose hearing ability? Lots of boomers are, so don’t feel alone. If so, here are some of the myths that may be holding you back from doing something about it, and what the reality is:
Myth: It’s not that bad. I’ll wait until I really can’t hear anything.
Reality: The longer you wait, the harder it gets to adjust to hearing aids. It will never be easy, but it will be easier when you are younger because your brain’s ability to adapt to the change in how you perceive sound will be easier.
Myth: Hearing aids don’t work.
Reality: Hearing aid manufacturers have made quantum leaps in the technology of hearing assistance. Today’s hearing aids, when fitted, adjusted, and maintained by a professional audiologist, can bring back significant communication function.
Myth: Hearing aids are too expensive.
Reality: There is a wide range of choices available. Some are even covered by insurance. Much depends on your lifestyle and a determination of your exact hearing needs.
Myth: Hearing aids are ugly and bulky.
Reality: The newest devices are undetectable when worn. Plus, if you’ve been wearing a Bluetooth headset for the last two years, who cares?
Myth: I’m too young for hearing aids.
Reality: Hearing loss can begin at a relatively young age. It is very important to see a hearing professional as soon as you suspect it may be happening.
Clifton Springs Hearing
4 Coulter Rd. 31 Parrish St.
Clifton Springs Canandaigua
(800) 827-0140
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