Hearing Loss: Most Do Not Realize They Have A Problem
MyLife Hearing Aids: Recognizing Hearing Loss
and Improving Your Quality of Life

According to the Deafness Research Foundation, 36 million American adults, or about seventeen percent of the population, report some degree of hearing loss. This number is probably much higher because many people do not realize that they have lost hearing capability. As we age, the likelihood of hearing loss increases with 18 percent of adults 45-64, 30 percent of 65-74, and 47 percent of those over 75 having hearing impairment. Could these statistics apply to you?

Michael and Cathy Roberson of MyLife Hearing Aids are concerned about these statistics. In opening their business, they wanted to treat it more like a ministry of helping all who come to them to be able to hear. This is their mission. Michael captures this when he says, “For everyone who comes into our MyLife Hearing Aids centers that needs hearing aids, I want them to walk out with a great pair that meets their budget and their lifestyle.”

What’s the Problem?
Why do so many people have hearing loss? There are many reasons, especially in our highly mechanized and technological society. Both work and home noise levels have increased dramatically. While we might anticipate loud noises if we work in an industrial environment, we may overlook everyday contributors at home such as hairdryers, lawnmowers, stereo systems and earphones on MP3 players. All of these take some toll on our ability to hear. Other factors that may impact our hearing include diseases or infections, some medications and medical treatments, and severe blows to the ears or head.

Another contributor of hearing loss is diabetes. In fact, hearing loss is about twice as common in adults with diabetes compared to those who do not have the disease, according to a new study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

“Hearing loss may be an under-recognized complication of diabetes. As diabetes becomes more common, the disease may become a more significant contributor to hearing loss,” said senior author Catherine Cowie, Ph.D., of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), who suggested that people with diabetes should consider having their hearing tested.

“Our study found a strong and consistent link between hearing impairment and diabetes, using a number of different outcomes.”

In another study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, NIH researchers analyzed data from hearing tests administered to 5,140 participants between 1999 and 2004. The findings showed that people with diabetes were more than twice as likely to suffer hearing loss as nondiabetics.

“For years, physicians who treat people with diabetes have regularly ensured that their patients receive regular vision check-ups,” said Dr. William Luxford, board member of the Better Hearing Institute (BHI), a nonprofit organization that educates the public about hearing loss treatment and prevention. This study underscores the need for physicians now to encourage their patients to get their hearing checked as well.”

Studies conducted by BHI show that people with untreated hearing loss experience a lower quality of life than those with normal hearing or people who use hearing aids.

So How do You Know?
Typically, changes in our hearing occur gradually, and often, certain listening frequencies are impacted more than others. Higher pitches or frequencies are the first to deteriorate. This affects the ability to hear or distinguish certain words or sounds. People, who experience hearing loss, say that they can hear others speaking but not understand their words. By the time you actually notice a change, your hearing ability may have already deteriorated greatly.

Based on National Center for Health statistics, hearing loss is the third leading cause of health problems in individuals over 50, surpassed only by arthritis and hypertension. Hearing loss is not limited to older individuals, however.

At first, hearing loss may seem temporary or harmless. If you find yourself routinely asking people to repeat themselves or you are turning the volume up on the television beyond the comfort level of others, hearing loss may be a problem. Another sign may be a buzzing or ringing in the ear after leaving a noisy environment.

What to do?
Obviously, taking measures to protect your hearing and minimizing hearing loss is the best option. To determine if you have already suffered hearing impairment, you should be tested by a hearing professional. MyLife Hearing Aids centers offer free hearing examinations and professional counseling. Appointments are preferred, but you can be tested on a walk-in basis.Together, the hearing professional and you will determine the appropriate treatment. If you do need hearing instruments, the MyLife hearing professional will help you make the right choice.

Michael Roberson adamantly professes, “We will work with anyone to

ensure that if they need hearing aids, we will help them to get the ones they need.”

He does not want anyone to miss the quality of life that comes from proper hearing.

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To learn more about MyLife hearing aid products, visit www.mylifehearing.com  or call 770-607-1745 for the Cartersville Center, 770-218-9579 for the Kennesaw Center, or 770-408-0632 for the Alpharetta Center.