Here’s a quick test to help you determine if you are suffering from hearing loss:

• Do you have a problem hearing on the phone?
• Do you have trouble following conversations in a crowd?
• Do people complain that you turn the TV or radio volume up too high?
• Do you struggle hearing in noisy places, like restaurants?
• Do you have to strain to understand conversation?
• Do you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves?
• Do you misunderstand what others are saying and respond incorrectly?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have hearing loss and should get your hearing checked.

Ignoring hearing loss poses new risks

What if you had a medical condition that could lead to severe physical, cognitive, and emotional problems, like social isolation, depression, balance issues ... and even dementia?

Rather than ignore it, you’d seek treatment, wouldn’t you? Not necessarily.

The condition is hearing loss. And, even though it’s almost always treatable with hearing aids, a majority of those affected wait ... and wait — on average for more than five years — before taking action.

There are 33 million Americans suffering from hearing loss. It is the third most common chronic health problem facing older adults in the United States.  Surprisingly, only 30 percent of individuals with hearing difficulties actually wear hearing aids.

But people who address their hearing loss with today’s advanced hearing aids lead better lives. They’re much less likely to feel depressed or isolated. And, a 2015 French scientific study concluded that hearing aids helped the hard of hearing stay mentally fit.

Recent breakthroughs have enabled today’s hearing aids to offer a remarkably natural listening experience. Instead of simply amplifying sounds, these tiny, smart devices include features that filter out background noise, helping the wearer focus on what they want to hear. Plus, phone calls and music can now be streamed wirelessly directly into the devices. And, smart phones can control hearing aids at the touch of an app, allowing wearers to easily personalize their hearing experience and discreetly adjust to different environments.

Your first line of defense to battle hearing loss is a simple hearing screening.

“Addressing hearing loss can reduce its impact on your overall health,” says Dr. John Cariola, Audiologist. Experts urge anyone over 50 to make screenings a routine part of their medical care.

Founded in 1940 in Chicago, Beltone Electronics Corporation is an established leader in the hearing care industry, committed to developing advanced technology, focusing on patient needs, and enhancing the hearing care experience. Beltone is one of the largest producers of hearing instruments and hearing aids. Its products are fit through an independent hearing care network serving patients in over 1,500 locations throughout North America.

Owners Dan and Jean Fletcher purchased their first Beltone office in 1998 and have expanded to 23 offices throughout Michigan and Ohio. As the only four-time recipient of the Circle of Excellence Award, Beltone Sound Hearing provides industry leading consultations, and testing, to help solve the challenges associated with hearing loss.  Treating everyone as “a dear family member” is at the heart of our company beliefs.       

Please contact Beltone Sound Hearing at 419-517-6871 to schedule your no-cost appointment TODAY!

First Published December 7, 2016, 5:00 a.m.