Decibels Audiology Audiologist Encourages Residents to Learn the Signs of Hearing Loss This National Speech-Language-Hearing Month
Rachel Spencer, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology/Ear Nerd
According to new estimates, 1 in 9 Americans has hearing loss in both ears. Although hearing loss can have serious consequences when left unaddressed, it is often not prioritized as a health or quality-of-life issue. This is a reality that Naples audiologist Rachel Spencer is aiming to change this May, which is recognized as National Speech-Language-Hearing Month.
“Most of us take our hearing for granted until we start to have significant difficulties,” said Spencer. “Even then, we often don’t fully appreciate how critical our hearing is to all aspects of our lives. This May, I want to encourage everyone in the community to consider the state of their hearing—and to seek an evaluation from an audiologist if they have concerns. A variety of options are available if you discover that you have some degree of hearing loss, and audiologists can guide people through those options.”
Hearing Loss in Adults
When it comes to adults, hearing loss is exceedingly and increasingly common as people age. Among adults ages 35–64, roughly 9% have permanent hearing loss in both years. That number rises to 35% for people ages 65–74, and 73% for adults 75 and older. (Note that these figures do not include people with mild hearing loss or people with hearing loss in one ear.)
In adults, unaddressed hearing loss can lead to a poorer quality of life marked by challenges in areas such as physical and mental health, personal relationships, career growth and earning potential, and cognitive abilities as one ages (including a possible increased risk of dementia for some groups).
Despite the benefits of treatment, adults routinely delay acting on their hearing difficulties—and some never pursue it at all. Among adults aged 70 and older with hearing loss who could benefit from hearing aids, fewer than one in three (30%) has ever used them. Even fewer adults aged 20–69 (approximately 16%) who could benefit from wearing hearing aids have ever used them.
“We know that treatment for hearing loss has the potential to transform a person’s life,” continued Spencer. “Most people have no idea how much they were missing until they get hearing aids. Beyond feeling more connected to others and more engaged in their lives, they experience a plethora of other benefits. A major new study has even found that U.S. adults with hearing loss who wear hearing aids consistently have a significantly lower risk of dying earlier than those who never wear them.”
In adults, signs of hearing loss include the following:
• Hearing ringing, roaring, or beeping in one or both ears
• Not responding to spoken words
• Having persistent ear discomfort after exposure to loud noise
• Having muffled hearing
• Experiencing constant frustration trying to hear speech and other sounds
• Avoiding conversation
• Experiencing social isolation
• Experiencing depression
As a first step, adults with questions about their hearing can schedule a complimentary in-depth hearing test and evaluation done by an audiologist to find out if you have a hearing loss and what treatment options may be right for you.
Decibels Audiology has served Southwest Florida since 2009. Decibels Audiology has won numerous awards including the Naples Daily News Readers Choice Award, Gulfshore Life Top Doctors, Gulfshore Life Who’s Who in Health. The clinic is known for their unique approach to hearing healthcare and exemplary customer service. Decibels Audiology has 2 locations: 3000 Immokalee Rd, Suite 8, Naples, and 971 Michigan Avenue, Naples.
Naples residents who want to schedule a hearing evaluation may contact either of our offices by calling 239-325-0596.
Call today and schedule your complimentary hearing test and consultation.
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Decibels Audiology
239-325-0596
www.napleshearingaids.com