Treat Hearing Loss

Treat Hearing Loss and Be There for New Year’s Celebrations

For many people with undiagnosed hearing loss social gatherings can be a challenge and are often avoided. Dr. Peter Marincovich of Audiology Associates of Santa Rosa encourages people with hearing loss to get a checkup and offers some tips for enjoying New Year’s celebrations.

SANTA ROSA, CA (PRWEB) DECEMBER 30, 2015

Dealing with hearing loss for some people means not dealing with it at all. Hearing loss is a common health problem for many adults – particularly those of the boomer generation. Studies reveal that hearing loss can have serious effects on the quality of life, including a greater likelihood of depression and dementia – especially if it goes ignored. But the good news is that there are so many new options in hearing aids available today – that the perceived stigma associated with age-related hearing loss no longer needs to hold people back from getting help.

“Social gatherings can be particularly challenging for people with hearing loss,” explains Dr. Peter Marincovich. “In many cases people with a gradual hearing loss may avoid interacting with friends and relatives at social gatherings as a way to avoid embarrassment. But for first time patients who are treated for previously undiagnosed hearing loss, the application of hearing aids greatly enhances the quality of life by improving communication, making it easier to interact socially and participate in conversations.”

The tremendous advances in hearing aid technology – including digital, wireless and practical invisibility makes it possible for hearing aid wearers to be virtually indistinguishable from other people. Today’s advanced hearing aids not only allow people to hear more clearly, they also contribute to the richness of sounds and help people tune into conversation from all directions while filtering out distracting background noise.

In addition to being much more advanced and discreet to wear than ever before, hearing aids tuck comfortably inside the ear canal, well out of sight. As many are completely wireless they can also be programed to stream sound from smartphones, home entertainment systems, conference-room speakerphones, hearing loops and other electronics.

The Social Impact of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss – whether gradual or sudden can contribute to a sense of social isolation, particularly among older Americans, and that can lead to depression. According to the Better Hearing Institute, nine out of 10 Americans who have hearing aids enjoy a higher quality of life. Benefits associated with treatment include improvements in mental health, family relationships, self-confidence, and an increased sense of safety. There are many reasons to get a hearing test from a hearing healthcare professional, some of the proven long-term benefits include;

•     An improved outlook on life
•     Greater ease in social situations
•     Increased likelihood of making new friends
•     More effective communication
•     Greater on-the-job performance

Make the Effort to Enjoy the New Year

Living with hearing loss doesn’t mean the social gatherings have to be any less enjoyable. In addition to making an appointment with an audiologist, there are proactive steps that can be taken to improve participation in conversations and festivities.

•     Don’t’ hesitate to speak up. It is important to let friends and family know about any hearing loss. Sometimes, the best way to avoid embarrassment is to tackle it head-on. Letting people know about any hearing challenge empowers both the person with hearing loss and the people who care about them – to become better listeners and more conscientious speakers.
•     Hearing loss is well known to increase loneliness and isolation which can lead to depression. Embrace 2016 by making plans to attend small social gatherings and get together with friends in quieter settings.
•     The extra effort it takes for someone with hearing loss to listen to conversations amidst background noise of parties can be tiring and stressful. It is important to plan some down time and to unwind from group gatherings.

About Audiology Associates

Dr. Peter Marincovich, owner and leader of Audiology Associates based in Santa Rosa, educates Northern California in the latest technology, holistic education, and home care possibilities for the hearing impaired, providing them with options to make personal adjustments in order to improve quality of life.

Since 1984, Audiology Associates has been committed to improving the hearing and communication of residents of the North Bay and the surrounding area. Dr. Marincovich and his team of hearing care professionals pride themselves on their full-spectrum of clinical services, educational community outreach, diagnostics, hearing rehabilitation and balance care programs, as well as hearing loss prevention and research. To learn more visit our website or call 707-523-4740 to schedule an appointment with Audiology Associates for expert hearing care.