We believe your hearing health should be treated with the same importance as the rest of your health. Why?Because hearing isn’t just what happens in your ears… hearing affects everything between your ears.
Every day, your brain engages in intense and intricate work to allow your to hear sounds. But if it’s compromised, your brain has to work even harder to fill in the gaps. In other words, if you have hearing loss, your brain is working overtime.
What does this mean? Several studies have validated the link between hearing loss and other debilitating conditions and diseases, such as isolation, depression, and even Alzheimer’s and other dementia.
Conceptual model of the association of hearing impairment with cognitive functioning and dementia. From the National Center for Biotechnology Information
The good news is, treating hearing loss proactively is your best protection.
Dr. Fletcher wrote about it in the spring issue of Health & Wealth – you can read more here.
How do you know it’s time to see someone about your hearing?
There’s no better way to be proactive than to have your hearing checked annually – and to urge your loved ones to do the same. Aside from regular check ups, there are definitive signs that will let you know if it’s time to see an audiologist sooner. They are:
Your family and friends are making comments about your hearing
You are straining more to hear in situations tat never used to be a problem, such as crowded restaurants and public places
You find it’s difficult to carry on a telephone conversation, especially on a hands-free mobile while driving
It’s hard to hear video conferences and meetings at work
You often need to turn up the volume on your TV or radio, while others in the room complain that it’s too loud
You have trouble hearing sounds on your computer or portable device
You feel like you’re not fully enjoying your favorite music and movies
Your line of work exposes you to loud noises over long periods of time
So make a commitment to take care of your hearing health!