May means Better Hearing for you and your loved ones

“I do need an appointment, but I’m sorry I can’t hear you. I will have my daughter call you back.” 

How many times have you had to rely on a family member or friend to make phone calls for you? Being unable to hear the whole conversation can certainly be frustrating–on the phone and even in person! Perhaps you didn’t catch the last bit from the receptionist at your appointment the other day or you recall having to ask your server to repeat a list of items. You might feel a little discouraged during times like this, but you’re not alone and it certainly doesn’t hurt to ask for some clarity! 

For Better Hearing Month, think about how you can take necessary precautions to protect the integrity of your ears. Even if you already have hearing aids, loud sounds that come from activities like ball games, movie theaters, workplaces and even common activities like listening to your radio or television set too loud can have a huge impact on your hearing health. Any sound at or above eighty-five decibels is more than likely to impair your hearing over time but being cautious of the noise level and the amount of time you are exposed to it can help lessen the effects. 

10 telltale signs of hearing loss 

The National Institute on Aging shares that approximately one in three senior adults have hearing loss and the number continues to grow – so you’re not alone if you find yourself turning up the volume a few notches while watching your favorite sitcom. However, it’s important to acknowledge when your hearing has begun to decline so you can take the appropriate steps to ensure your hearing health and choose the proper solutions to address your hearing loss.  

Many people don’t realize they have a hearing problem and a lot of times getting the right diagnosis takes time. Online screenings can make it easy to gauge whether your hearing needs immediate attention. No matter your results, you can seek professional care as well. Remember, online hearing tests should not replace regular visits to an audiologist, but it does offer a good place to start.

And if all else fails, look for these ten telltale signs: 

• Trouble hearing on the phone 
• Hard to follow conversations 
• Asking others to repeat themselves 
• Tuning out during conversations   
• Not as social as you used to be 
• Turning up the volume on your TV or radio 
• Your family points out your hearing loss 
• Listening to someone speak for a while gets tiring 
• It’s hard to hear with background noise 
• You’ve stopped making phone calls  

Learn more about recognizing the most common signs of hearing loss here. 

What next? 

When was the last time you made a trip to your hearing care provider’s office? Even with existing hearing loss, it is recommended you get a regular assessment done annually – in some cases your audiologist may want you to come in sooner to track any changes in your hearing. It’s also a great time to adjust your hearing aids if needed and ask questions about maintenance and care.  

Don’t let hearing loss hold you back! Continue to connect with family and friends. They can be your first resource in identifying changes in your hearing health and overall wellness. Leaning on your inner circle will help you maintain a healthy life and reduce any negative effects associated with hearing loss like loneliness that could lead to cognitive decline.  

It’s also important to look for signs that may be present amongst loved ones who may be going through similar experiences too. Give them a gentle push in the right direction to ensure they’re doing everything they can to protect their hearing health. 

“I didn’t realize my hearing was getting worse until my sister brought it up. I had stopped picking up their phone calls and they were starting to worry about me. After getting my hearing checked I was prescribed hearing aids and given different solutions like a caption phone to help me navigate my life again. Now, I can continue to have a relationship with my family without the frustration of not being able to hear them.”

– ClearCaptions customer, Jimmy W.

You’re not alone when it comes to hearing health, but it’s up to YOU to make a positive change. Congratulations on taking steps to address your hearing loss. That’s great news! No matter your hearing health journey, you can ensure you stay connected, happy and healthy with one simple trip to your hearing care provider’s office this Better Hearing Month. Routine care is essential in maintaining a happier and more independent life.  

Do you know someone who is living with hearing loss who doesn’t yet have a caption phone? Help them get connected! Visit our Sign Me Up page to learn more or call 866-246-7850.