WASHINGTON – Hearing loss happens gradually, can start at any time and can have a huge impact on quality of life.
A new AARP survey shows it’s an issue that can lead to serious health problems and keep sufferers from enjoying family and friends.
Pam Mason of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association says it’s something that can affect everyone.
“You can have a sledding accident when you’re 9 and have sustained a hearing loss from that,” she says.
She says hearing loss can lead to social isolation, fatigue and depression. And you may not even recognize the signs.
“Others are leaving the room when you put the TV or the radio on so loud that its uncomfortable for others,” she says.
Nicole Duritz of AARP says while 85 percent of the 2,200 AARP members surveyed think hearing loss is an important health issue, most aren’t doing anything about it
“The vast majority of individuals are getting their vision tested and their blood pressure tested. But less than half have done anything to get their hearing tested,” she says.
Mason suggests using a holiday gathering as an opportunity to pull a loved one aside and break through the silence
“When a grandchild asks their grandparent to do something that is one of the strongest motivations to do something about the hearing issue,” Mason says.
WTOP’s Debra Feinstein contributed to this report. Follow WTOP on Twitter.
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