by Lisa Klop, Au.D. (NAPSA)—Robert Seidler, a sea- soned filmmaker, ruptured both eardrums while filming in an experimen- tal aircraft. As an avid bicyclist, Seidler had always foundthat riding created a “Zen-like” environmentwhere he could talk about importantissues with those he loved. However, as his hearing wors- ened,this special environmentfellsilent. He becameincreasingly depressed and withdrawn, describingthe loss as “pro- found as a death” Seidler’s family and friends shared how his hearing loss affected them during aninterview for an online docuseries,It's Your Choice. Seidler’s daugh- ter said, “WheneverI try to talk to him, I haveto repeat everything at least once. Conversation loses its momentum? Meanwhile, Seidler’s wife expressed concern that while biking he might miss soundsalerting him to oncoming dangers. OneofSeidler’s closestfriends shared thefrustration that friends and Improving your he: g can improve your relationships with friends and fami to be heard,andlive with the television volumeso loud it’s painful. Confronting Hearing Loss Seidler finally met with a hearing care professional who diagnosed him as having a high-frequencyloss andfitted him with pair ofhearing aids. During hisfirst bike ride afterward, he discovered he could hold conversations with ease. “Thelast time I heardlike today, I was in my 20s,’ Seidler said. “'m 65 now. Pretty magical!” His family and friends think the changeis “pretty mag- ical,’ too. family of a person with hearingloss will recognize:“Wouldyoupleaseget a hear- Hearing aids do much more than help you hear. They transform the way Frustrations Associated world, relieving negative emotions and ing aid? Why won'tyou dothis?” With Hearing Loss Forthe person withlimited hearing, the negative emotions often include: Loneliness due to withdrawal from socialsituations becauseofinability to keep up with conversations + Embarrassment when misunderstanding whatothers say Fear their disability will contribute to people thinking they’re “old” or “infirm” + Frustration at not being ableto easily understand speech or audio from TV and movies + Anxiety,stress and grief that can contribute to depression. But they’re not the only ones affected. Friends feel hurt when their wearers like Seidler interact with the improving interpersonal relationships. If you havehearing loss but have been putting off doing something aboutit, consider how it affects your life—and everyonein it. + Dr. Klop is a Sr. Educational Special- ist for Sivantos, Inc, the manufacturer of Signia brand hearing aids. She is respon- siblefor training customers and sales staff on the company’ current technology and products. She conducts training sessions in customers’offices, remotely, via webinars, andat regionaland national events. Areas of particular expertise include hearing assistive technology andfitting kids and the town are always turned down. Fam- teens. Priorto joining Sivantos (then Sie‘mens Hearing Instruments) in 2012, she operated a private dispensing practice for sixyears. Otherclinical experience includes hospital, ENT and nonprofit clinics. Lisa to repeat themselves constantly, shout from Central Michigan University in 2005. invitations to come over or go out on ily members run low onpatience having obtained herdoctorate degreein Audiology
