Over 32 million Americans suffer from hearing difficulty.  That's almost twice the population of the state of Florida.  Hearing loss is anything but rare.  In fact, the only chronic health conditions more prevalent than hearing loss are arthritis and high blood pressure.

Directly or indirectly, hearing loss impacts 1 in 4 families, and over 65% of those individuals are below retirement age.  That means that, contrary to popular belief, hearing loss isn't just a condition the elderly suffer from.  It affects people of all ages.  One of the largest groups impacted by hearing loss right now is baby boomers.  Interestingly, it seems that more hearing loss is caused by prolonged or loud noise exposure rather than just aging.

Just knowing that hearing loss is common and that it doesn't mean you are "old" can be a real comfort.  Hearing loss is a discouraging, isolating problem, but it doesn't have to be. Whether you are just now noticing the signs of hearing loss, or you've been struggling for a while, the best thing to do is to take action now.  The sooner you take action the better.

Early Detection and Treatment Have Proven Critical

Many people with hearing loss are reluctant to admit it.  They feel they can "get by" without hearing aids or "tough it out."  Study after study confirms that the sooner you can treat hearing loss the better.  According to the Better Hearing Institute ( ), untreated hearing loss can lead to the following:

• Irritability, anger, and misunderstanding of current circumstances
• Avoidance or withdrawal from social events
• Loneliness and social rejection
• Impaired alertness and a greater risk to personal safety
• Fatigue, tension, stress and even depression
• Reduced job performance and earning power
• Impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks (untreated hearing loss effects areas of the brain that can have far-reaching consequences)

The earlier hearing loss is detected and treated the better in terms of overall improvement and quality of life.  New patients often express that they wished they had taken action sooner.

One prevalent myth is that wearing a hearing aid will make you look and feel old.  Quite the opposite is true.  Many new styles and models of hearing aids are nearly invisible and quite comfortable (more on that later). It's the constant requests for others to repeat themselves (saying "what?" too much), and the confusion in certain circumstances that can make you look old.

Consumer surveys reveal that once patients begin wearing hearing aids that work, they feel moreyouthful, morealive,and moreconnected.  In many ways hearing aids can help you "turn back the clock" and enjoy life again.  Don't let pride, confusion, or anything else rob you or someone you love of the joy of hearing.  It's far too valuable to live without.