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One in Seven Middle-Aged Adults Has Hearing Loss

03-21-2011

Researchers in Madison, Wisconsin have discovered that 14% of middle-aged Americans have some sort of hearing loss. For those aged 48 to 59, that percentage jumps to around 20%, and for those 80 years old and older, the percentage skyrockets to 90%. The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health research study included 3,285 subjects from 21 to 84 years of age.

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Social Effects of Hearing Loss

The social effect of hearing loss is exhibited in everyday life of more and more people today.  The newly rising young generations are exposing themselves to obscenely high levels of noise, and as they grow into their late 20’s and 30’s, the time for choosing a hearing aid comes ever so quickly. At a point in time, something that was only necessary for older adults and those whose hearing loss was caused by a chronic ailment or genetic problem thirty years ago is being seen by audiologists everywhere on a more frequent basis.  They are witnessing a huge rise in the number of middle aged people who are struggling with hearing loss and even worse, the social effects of hearing loss

Hearing Loss and Communication

The social effects of hearing loss can take a toll on your everyday interactions and communication. In a basic example, hearing loss even to the smallest degree can make conversations in large groups more difficult and frustrating.  Speaking with another person in a loud environment also becomes a difficult task.  This translates into people discontinuing activities in which they used to enjoy participating in, including bustling restaurants, large music venues, and parties full of your favorite friends and family.
The best and most cherished relationships are built on good communication and because the signs of hearing loss can negatively affect communication, hearing loss can and will cause relationship problems.  If someone is having a problem hearing another person, further frustrations could emerge in regards to the reason communication was broken, misunderstood, or even ignored.  Admitting to the signs of hearing loss is also a fence to cross. If the person you love does not inform you of their hearing problems, then other motives may be drawn.
Feelings of isolation and resentment can build up over time if people have to continually shout at you to communicate.  This furthers you from the people you speak with on a daily basis.  As this continues on those who are deprived of normal hearing may experience full-blown depression, adding another catalyst to the sinking feelings of despair and anonymity.

Stop Hearing Loss Today

It is obvious that people experiencing the signs of hearing loss should get their hearing checked and look into the possibility of buying a hearing aid.  Do not let the relationships that you have built over the span of your lifetime wither away along with your hearing.  Find a Specialist today and begin to live again!

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