As the holiday season approaches, many of us will be spending time with family and friends. We share stories both new and old and gather around the dinner table. What should be a joyous time can be isolating for those with hearing loss as they find it difficult to engage in and maintain a conversation.
When our hearing starts to deteriorate, either with age, noise exposure, family history, etc., it can have a direct effect on our social lives. When multiple people are speaking at once, the hearing loss is most evident. As a result, individuals with untreated hearing loss tend to withdraw from social events or gatherings. Even small groups of 3 or 4 people can make for a difficult hearing environment. Many studies have shown the association between hearing loss and social isolation, depression, memory problems, and more recently, dementia.
The good news is the vast majority of hearing loss can be helped. Hearing aids are the most common treatment option and have come a long way in terms of technology, performance, and ease of use.
One recent and popular innovation in the hearing aid industry is the use of rechargeable batteries. These hearing aids are inserted in to a small charging unit that plugs in to the wall. They charge over night and are ready to go in the morning for the entire day. No more fiddling with batteries!
With the festivities and gatherings quickly approaching, now is the time to have your hearing assessed. By addressing your hearing loss and taking action early, your quality of life can be drastically improved. As an Audiologist, my goal is to help you hear what is important to you.
Contact Info:
Curt Culford, Audiologist and Owner
Culford Family Hearing, 10 Keith Avenue, Unit 102 (Cranberry Mews), Collingwood, ON
705-293-HEAR, www.culfordfamilyhearing.ca, facebook.com/culfordfamilyhearing