Can You Hear Me Now?

The other night I said something to my husband and he said, “What did you say?”

So I yelled back, “I said you have a hearing problem!”

We both laughed.

Sound echoes in our den and when the television is turned up too loud it’s hard to hold a conversation in there.

For many seniors hearing loss is no joking matter.

Did you know  99 million U.S. adults over 50 having untreated hearing loss?  Almost half the respondents in an AARP/American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) National Poll on Hearing Health reported having untreated hearing health issues, which can lead to depression and social isolation, strained relationships with family and friends, difficulties following conversations during family gatherings and more.  The good news is, you can help.

Speak Up About Hearing Loss is ASHA’s broadcast public service announcement (PSA) campaign urging families to break through the silence and openly discuss untreated hearing loss among older family members. The campaign hones in on key poll findings that showed:

  • 50 percent of respondents said they would be more likely to seek hearing help if their grandchildren asked them to!
  • Nearly 70 percent would seek treatment if a loved one asked them to.
  • 57 percent of those with untreated hearing problems say their problems don’t warrant treatment and are easy enough to “cover up.”

So, speak Up About Hearing Loss to help improve their quality of life:

  • Learn more and view the PSA at www.asha.org/hearing
  • Find a local certified audiologist at http://www.asha.org/findpro/.  Nearly 75% of respondents reported that finding a provider with a high level of training in hearing difficulties is critically important to them were they to see professional help.

About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 150,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and balance disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment, including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists identify, assess, and treat speech and language problems, including swallowing disorders. www.asha.org/.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

2200 Research Blvd., Rockville, MD 20850-3289

Related posts:

  1. Ronald Reagan: Husband, Father, Hearing Aid User
  2. Don’t miss a single word from your grandchildren (sponsored by Hear.com)
  3. I Hear Voices
  4. Top 5 Sounds This Nana and Poppa Don’t Want To Hear

Similar Posts

4 Comments

  2. Hi Amy, sure hope he gets it checked but I understand the stigma you are referring to. Blessings to you and to him!

  3. How interesting that you just blogged about this. My husband also is losing his hearing! I agree with Lorna in that he doesn’t like to get a hearing test done because of the stigma if hearing aids. More education is needed so I’m so glad for this ASHA and the thrust to get people to speak up. thanks!

  4. Excellent information! Unfortunately, most people view hearing loss as one of two categories; a disability or a sign of old age. My husband (53 YO) is a building contractor and has worked around power tools all of his life without ear protection. Prior to starting is business as a contractor he was a DJ, again hard on the ears. I can sit right beside him in a vehicle and he will miss things that I say or accuse me of mumbling. I have had to ask our son (in the back seat) what I said, to prove I didn’t mumble. He doesn’t get his hearing checked because of the stigma he feels is attached to hearing aids.

Comments are closed.