Showing posts with label Ohio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ohio. Show all posts

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Hearing loss and denial

We often see people with hearing loss resist seeking help.  There are many reasons why they resist assistance.  Denial is one way of resisting.  Understanding where it comes from can help you work with her.
It can be easy to deny there is a problem and blame others for the difficulty.  Hearing loss makes voices sound soft and mumbled.   It is appears that the speaker is not speaking up or clearly.  When she watches TV, the volume does not sound loud to her and leading her to think others like volume very soft.
She may not realize all that she misses.  Hearing loss is often gradual.  It decreases slowly over time.  So slowly, people can be unaware that hearing is changing.  Some sounds such as bird songs, fade away without being noticed and aren’t missed when they fade away altogether.
Not knowing or understanding about hearing and hearing aids or where to go and who to see, can create fear.  To complicate it, many have heard stories of people who were unsuccessful with hearing aids.  This can create concern about the financial investment.  Today’s hearing aids are better than ever. We can help her find cost effective hearing aids if they are indicated.
Help her to focus on what she is missing and how hearing loss is changing her life in a negative ways.   Those with untreated hearing loss will isolate themselves and withdraw from social situations.  Share with her how you feel when she is not able to participate in family activities.  Stop in and pick up some information about hearing aids to share with her.  Help her to understand hearing aid technology has improved over the last few years and can be very helpful and inconspicuous. 
Now is a great time to get started.  Schedule her for a hearing evaluation.  An audiologist can help her understand what is happening with her hearing and alleviate some of her fears.  Call one now.
Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848
Fax: 440-205-9818


Picture obtained at:

Thursday, September 20, 2012

My husband resists hearing aids. What can I do?


Resistance to wearing hearing aids is common.  Many people have excuses for neglecting their hearing.  Some worry about looking old and others feel the financial investment isn’t worth it.  Few people realize the cost of not using hearing aids.  Talk to him about the negative effects of ignoring his hearing problem.   
                        
When someone cannot hear what is said or miss hears information, it’s easy to see the impact on communication.  Isolation and withdrawal from social situations is also easily seen.  Not so apparent are the affects the brain.  Not using hearing aids reduces stimulation of the hearing pathways in the brain.  This can cause a reduction in the brain’s ability to recall words and the ability to learn new tasks. Words become mumbled and with long periods of reduced stimulation, the mumbling can become permanent. People with hearing loss have to work harder to hear and remember what was heard. 

Untreated hearing loss can also have serious social and emotional affects.  A study by the National Council on Aging reported that adults 50 and older with hearing loss experience more stress, sadness, and depression.  They worry and are more anxious than those who use hearing aids. 

Other studies show that those who are working earn from $12,000-$24,000 less annual due to hearing loss.  They are less likely to be promoted and often seen as loaners.

Don't wait to get started.  Encourage him to have a trial with hearing aids.  Hopefully he will find they are inconspicuous, comfortable and work well.  Call now for an appointment.  

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, AuD
Paula Webster, MA

Advanced Audiology Concepts
8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848
http://www.aacHEAR.org/




Reference and for more information go to: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718164026.htm