– By W.L. “Hunter” Huntley, III, HAS, BC-HIS –
The subject of men’s health and their occupations encompasses a plethora of subjects for discussion. For the most part, men are exposed to more noise: military, industrial and power tools than women; not to mention planes, cars, boats, and recreational “toys.”
Over a period of prolonged exposure to excessive decibel levels, the nerves of the inner ear become permanently impaired. The first indication of a problem is when an individual turns up the television louder than normal, speaks loudly, or asks for statements, directions, and questions to be repeated. In general, the higher frequencies of the inner ear are the first to dissipate. This generally doesn’t hamper the ability to hear, but the clarification of what a person hears is diminished.
Untreated Hearing Loss Linked to Development of Dementia and Alzheimer’s
As with any medical issue, early detection is the key. The sooner a deficit is detected, the better chance an individual with the problem can find a solution to their particular malady. A recent study by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the National Institute on Aging determined that individuals with untreated hearing loss are much more likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. People with only a mild loss were twice as likely to contract the aforementioned afflictions. Individuals with severe hearing impairments were five times as likely to suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
We Hear with Our Brains, Not Our Ears
People with untreated hearing problems lack “proper” stimulation to the part of the brain that comprehends speech; over time, the brain atrophies and loses function. Remember, we hear with our brains not our ears.
Advanced Digital Hearing Technology
Almost all hearing impairments can be overcome with the use of hearing instruments. Today’s digital technology technology “prescription” fits your ears like eyeglasses do for the eyes, using highly advanced computer chips. Unlike your vision, when your eyes get worse, a stronger prescription is needed. When an individuals hearing deteriorates, the same computer chips can be re-programmed without the necessity of buying newer hearing devices.
Other options like directional microphones are extremely beneficial, especially in ambient noise. When directional microphones are active, they only pick up voices coming from in front of the hearing device user, not from behind. This helps substantially in the presence of background noise.
Multi-memory is another option hearing instrument users can take advantage of depending on their type of listening environment. A push button allows the wearer to increase or decrease the volume of the instruments to ensure sounds remain at a comfortable level.
Another development in the advancement of hearing devices is ATR: automatic telephone response. This virtually eliminates the annoying “squeal” hearing devices used to make when putting the telephone close to a person’s ears.
“Hearing Devices are a Sign of Intelligence”
In conclusion, there is nothing more important than your health. An annual hearing evaluation can make a world of difference to not only the person with the impairment, but also for everyone around the individual with the hearing loss. Helen Keller once said, “hearing devices are a sign of intelligence; it shows consideration for others.”
Free Hearing Evaluation
For a FREE, no obligation hearing evaluation or to learn more, call Leonardi Hearing Center at 239-997-8288, or visit our website at www.leonardihearing.com.