We can’t believe how fast time is flying by. It feels like just yesterday it was summer, and now we’re right amid the holiday season. Whether you’re planning to visit family out of state, hosting a big holiday party or taking in the sights at Snowflake Lane, you’re almost certainly planning more activities that involve socializing with family and friends.
The holidays are all about connecting with those closest to us. If you have hearing loss you may worry that your ability to connect and socialize will be impaired, leaving you feeling left out during these holiday activities. The good news is there are many steps you can take to make communication easier and the holidays more enjoyable.
Optimize Your Hearing with Hearing Aids
If you’ve yet to seek help for your hearing loss the best first step is to schedule a hearing test. If you’re unsure you need testing, take a look at a few of the early signs of hearing loss:
- Family or friends have remarked on your hearing.
- People seem to mumble, or you need them to repeat themselves often.
- You have trouble following conversations in groups, especially with background noise.
- Telephone conversations are difficult to follow.
- Others comment on the volume when you listen to the TV or music.
If these things sound familiar, it’s time to make an appointment. Hearing tests are quick, painless and can accurately assess the extent of your hearing loss. The sooner you are diagnosed the more successful your treatment will be.
In most cases, if you have hearing loss an audiologist will recommend hearing aids. Not only do hearing aids optimize your hearing, but they also help you stay connected to the world around you.
Hearing Aids Help You Stay Connected
People with hearing aids frequently report better relationships and increased confidence in their ability to socialize.
A study published in The Hearing Journal examined the relationship between quality of life and hearing aid use. Among other things they found:
- Nearly 70% of patients using hearing aids reported an improved ability to communicate with others.
- 75% of patients reported that at least one area of their life was improved by wearing hearing aids.
- 90% of patients who experienced a 70% reduction in their hearing handicap reported a significant improvement in their overall quality of life.
We want you to get the most out of this holiday season. That means catching up with loved ones at the dinner table or hearing your grandkids laugh and play with their new toys. Treating your hearing loss can help you enjoy all those special moments that happen during the holidays and throughout the rest of the year.
If you have additional questions about hearing loss or wish to schedule an appointment, contact Evergreen Speech and Hearing today.