(Reston, VA—December 19, 2007)— Hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the United States, affecting more than 31 million Americans. Most people wait seven to 10 years before seeking help for hearing-related issues. This season, the American Academy of Audiology encourages friends and family to look for signs of hearing loss and to talk with their loved ones about scheduling a hearing check-up with an audiologist.
To get the word out about hearing loss, the Academy and Foundation announce an initiative to increase awareness about healthy hearing. The "Hearing Great in 2008!" program features family-focused television spots encouraging consumers to make a New Year's resolution to visit an audiologist for a hearing check-up. The program hits national media markets in December and January, and is underwritten by Energizer Battery, Inc.
Experts say that during holiday celebrations you may frequently notice hearing-related issues in family members and friends. They may consistently ask you to repeat what you have said, constantly turn up the volume on the television or radio, have difficulty hearing on the telephone, and describe voices as muffled and unclear. If you recognize these symptoms, remember that hearing loss is a normal condition and can happen to anyone, although it is most common in older adults.
According to Academy member Lisa Nelson, Au.D., Hearing Professionals, Inc., in Laurel, Bowie, Waldorf, and Southern Maryland, "Hearing problems can be more than frustrating, they can actually be dangerous. They make it difficult to understand and follow doctors' advice, respond to warnings, and hear doorbells and alarms. Hearing problems that are ignored or untreated can get worse."
An audiologist can help determine if a hearing aid, or other device, is the right treatment. Taking a family member or friend to visit an audiologist could be the best present this holiday—the gift of hearing.
Taken from: www.audiology.org
