Men...Are You Ready for
the Sounds of Spring?
T
his winter has most of us hoping springtime is
just around the corner. If this weather has
noticeably impacted your mood, it may be a
good time to assess your hearing health. Hearing loss
is the third largest health problem in the U.S. Even a
mild hearing loss can present a challenge – for
example, understanding voices when other noise is
present such as in a restaurant, meeting, or when the
TV is on. While it's easy to “blame” others for not
speaking clearly or loud enough, the problem may be
your hearing loss. Other possible signs of a hearing
loss include: a persistent need to ask others to repeat
themselves, an ability to hear men's voices easier than
women's (no, this is not what is called selective
hearing), difficulty with voices on the phone, and
ringing in the ears. Each of these symptoms,
individually and collectively, begins to require an ever
increasing effort to concentrate. This strains the brain
and the nerves, resulting in increased levels of fatigue,
mood swings and general frustration, yet like the
sounds you are missing, those with a hearing loss
seldom recognize the impact their loss is having on
their life and health.
“Get your Free
hearing test!
”
While those close to someone with a hearing loss are
in the best position to discuss the impact their loss
may be having on friends, family and co-workers, the
person with the loss must be the one to acknowledge
and take action to address their loss. Statistically, men
over the age of 45 represent the greatest portion of the
population with a hearing loss. This is typically the
result of an active lifestyle and greater exposure to
occupational and recreational noise. As their lifestyle
continues, so does their exposure to noise and the
impact on their hearing health.
I was guilty of taking my hearing health for granted as
well. When I finally decided to get my hearing tested
and was asked when I had last had it tested, I could
not answer the question. After my test, I understood
clearly what I should have been doing differently, but
now what? My loss was addressed with hearing aids
and the solution presented no greater challenge than
wearing glasses did. With features like background
noise cancellation, I can hear my wife better in
restaurants and I enjoy riding my motorcycle better
than ever. I hope to be back on the road again soon.
So, man-to-man…stop blaming those around you and
get your hearing tested. Understand and address your
hearing health before it impacts your lifestyle or other
health issues. Get ready to enjoy the sounds of spring.
It is just around the corner!
Marty Wood is the Owner of
®
ZOUNDS
Hearing of Fishers
www.zoundsoffishers.com
Have you had your hearing tested lately?
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