Collin County Living Well Magazine September/October 2017 | Page 41

Hearing Matters
By Elizabeth Brassine, Au.D.
W
hat’s the best thing you’ve ever
heard? Maybe it was the first
song you danced to at your
wedding, a putt landing in the cup on
the 18 th hole, or your child’s (or grand-
child’s) voice. What we hear matters;
it breathes depth and life into every
experience we have.
Hearing loss disconnects you from the
people and things you love. The chang-
es might be small at first––asking peo-
ple to repeat themselves, or straining
to hear on the phone. But over time,
you may find yourself missing the bulk
of a conversation, or avoiding events
you never used to miss.
Now for great news: there’s plenty you
and your loves ones can do to stay
tuned in to every moment. Here are
the steps that you can take.
First, get informed and understand the
facts about hearing loss. Hearing loss
is more common than you think. There
are 36 million Americans with hearing
loss. A third of those people will be
over the age of 60. Your loved ones
will be the first to notice. Hearing loss
can cause isolation and depression. It
can build a wall around you. Older
adults with untreated hearing loss are
more likely to report depression and
anxiety, and less likely to join in social
gatherings. So, don’t wait to get evalu-
ated. Most hearing loss is treatable. In
fact 95% of hearing loss is treatable
with hearing aids.
Second, talk about it. If you realize some-
one you love is having problems with
hearing, talk with them about it. Encour-
age them to make an appointment with
an audiologist. It can be helpful to go
with the loved one to the appointment.
Third, see an audiologist. A hearing
test can show how your hearing is
working. The visit should also include
a good case history, a physical exami-
nation of the outer ear and an evalu-
ation of your listening situations and
communication needs. This additional
information can show what the best
solution would be for your needs and
hearing loss.
Finally, act fast. Why wait? Every
word, every sound and every moment
is worth listening to. Better hearing
keeps you connected!
Elizabeth Brassine is a Doctor of Audiology and the owner of Hearing Services of McKinney.
HEARING SERVICES
of M c Kinney
Better Hearing Keeps You Connected!
• Staffed by 2 Licensed, Doctors of Audiology
• Hearing Aid Fittings, Maintenance and Repairs
• Invisible Fittings/Open Fittings
• Evaluation Period On All Hearing Aids
• Hearing Evaluations For All Ages
• Wireless/Connectivity Hearing Solutions
• Battery Purchase Programs
“After 10 years of training hearing
• Custom Ear Protection
professionals, I decided to come home
• Assistive Devices
to McKinney to do what I love
most-helping
the hearing impaired”.
• 26 Years of Experience
Liz Brassine, Au.D.
Locally Owned and Operated
Financing Options Available
Mon-Fri: 8:30am- 5:00pm
Other times available by appt.
972.838.1300
www.hearinmckinney.com
4201 Medical Center Dr, Suite 270
Across from Medical Center of McKinney
LIZ BRASSINE, Au.D.
DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY
COLLIN COUNTY Living Well Magazine | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017
39