Do you find yourself turning up the volume on your TV or radio? Asking people to repeat themselves during conversation because you think they’re mumbling? Or straining to hear phone conversations?
You may be experiencing the first symptoms of hearing loss. You aren’t alone. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, more than 30 percent of people 65 and older have some level of hearing loss.
What causes hearing loss? Aging can cause it, but that’s not the only reason. There are different types of hearing impairment: inner ear loss caused by noise damage; presbycusis, in which high-pitched sounds are muffled; conductive hearing loss, where sound is blocked from getting through to the inner ear; central deafness, often caused by stroke or head injury; and tinnitus, the annoying ringing or buzzing that can impair your ability to understand conversation.
No matter the cause, hearing loss is serious. It not only affects safety levels and the physical sense of hearing, but can also lead to withdrawal from family, friends and social situations.
The most important thing is to recognize it —and then do something about it. Get a hearing test from an audiologist. Ask your doctor for advice. And look for hearing helpers that let you enjoy watching TV or talking with friends without straining or requiring that others speak loudly.
The Symphonix Personal Amplifier is a Gold Violin customer favorite. Discreet yet powerful, it offers high-definition digital sound processing that amplifies voices and sharpens sound while reducing background noise. You’ll be able to hear bird calls to Bingo calls.
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