DOCTOR Boomers Tackle Escalating Hearing Loss With Hip, High-Tech Hearing Aids (NAPSA)—Now hearthis: one in 10 Americans—almost 17 mil- lion under 65—suffer to some degree from hearing loss. Overexposure to excessive noise is to blamefor nearly a third. Everyday sounds louder than 80 decibels can be harmful to your hearing. Some common hazards include: loud rock concerts, car stereos, jet plane takeoff, lawnmowers, truck traffic, subway noises and many others. These loud environmental noises that multiply each year, have caused more baby boomersto suffer from hearing loss than any preceding generation. Common hearing loss signs include: Asking people to repeat themselves frequently Feeling like others are mumbling muchof the time Experiencing difficulty distinguishing voices from backgroundnoise e Avoiding crowded places because it is hard to hear conversations Allowing hearing problems to remain untreated can seriously strain relationships with friends, family and colleagues. Nonetheless, about 80 percent of Americans with hearing loss are not using any type of hearing aids. Admitting that you have a hearing impairment or being diagnosed with hearing loss, is espe- Some hearing aids can be smaller than a dime or discreetly managedfrom a wristwatch. designed to incorporate the latest digital technology into tiny, discreet devices that are practically invisible and often placed entirely inside the ear canal. For instance, Phonak Hearing Systems, an Illinois-based hearing aid manufacturer, helped revolutionize the industry with key technological advancements and inno- vations over the past 10 years. Three of these advancements include: AudioZoom”™, which cially difficult for those in their allows wearers to zoom through background noise to be able to hear conversations moreclearly in noisy places; WatchPilot™, a remote control that allows wearers to discreetly adjust their hearing aids’ features such as volume Even more difficult is taking recently Perseo”, the first hearing device that allows for maximum early 40’s and 50’s, equating it with getting older. the next step and actually wearing hearing aids. Research and anecdotal evidence, however, suggests that hearing aids can help people enjoy better relationships, build self-esteem, improve mental health, show greater independence and improve quality oflife. Contrary to common percep- tions, hearing aids aren’t large and bulky anymore and are much more sophisticated than past devices that simply amplified noise. Instead, today’s hearing aids are from a wristwatch; and most customization, so you can choose the way you hear in quiet and noisy situations according to your specific hearing needs. Hearing loss shouldn’t stop you from participating in life—ask your doctor for a referral to an audiologist or hearing specialist for a hearing check. It is recommended that you have your hearing checked every four years or annually, if youre over the age of 45. For more information on hear- ing loss, call 1-888-556-6473 or visit www.phonak-us.com.
