Somerset, NJ – Oprah Winfrey’s “Just Say Hello” Campaign (#JustSayHello) has the potential to bring life-changing benefits to people of all ages by encouraging simple, easy connections with others who may be lonely or isolated. Sonic, a leading manufacturer of hearing solutions, believes that Oprah’s simple, common sense approach to combatting loneliness can have special significance for the nearly 38 million people in the US living with hearing loss.
”People with untreated hearing loss experience a unique type of social isolation” says Kathy Landon, VP Branding & Professional Services. “When difficulty participating in conversation or joining in the fun of social gatherings becomes too difficult, many simply retreat into loneliness and depression. Among an individual’s family and friends this seemingly voluntary withdrawal from social activities may be interpreted as unfriendliness or a desire to be left alone when in fact, many people with hearing loss want exactly the opposite. Reaching out with a friendly gesture as simple as hello can begin breaking down painful barriers.”
Landon points out that many people with untreated hearing loss give up on the social contact that is so essential to everyday happiness. This situation tends to increase as people age since more than two-thirds of people 70 years and older experience some degree of hearing loss. Isolation can lead to depression, anxiety and other psychosocial orders. Researchers have also shown a link between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline. “Hearing loss and its challenges – including social isolation and loneliness – are not a natural part of the aging process or something that people must learn to live with,” adds Landon. “Research has shown that when hearing loss is addressed, hearing aid use can positively affected quality of life for both people with hearing loss and their significant others.”
Do you know someone who is withdrawing from everyday social connections? Reach out with a friendly hello and start building a caring connection. Perhaps, a hearing check might be a positive step for them. Encourage a friend, loved one or colleague to consider a visit to the family doctor, an Ear, Nose, Throat specialist, or a hearing care specialist such as an audiologist or hearing instrument provider. He or she will perform an in-depth assessment to determine the best treatment.
Hearing loss can come on so gradually, it’s often difficult to realize it is happening. A quick online quiz can help pinpoint when people are hearing less than they should. Take the quiz now at the Sonic website.
About Sonic
Sonic is a U.S.-based manufacturer of hearing care solutions, who envisions a world where all people can enjoy the sounds that enrich everyday life and where lives are improved through enhanced hearing. Since 1998, Sonic employees and distributor partners have provided quality products with a proven benefit track record. Today Sonic has a global sales network represented in more than 25 countries. Sonic focuses its product development on its 4S Foundation (Sound that is natural, Speech intelligibility, Simplicity in usage and Stylish design) to ensure that with Sonic, Everyday Sounds Better. For more information, please visit www.sonici.com or the Sonic Expo Page on AudiologyOnline.
