Do you wonder why everyone has taken to whispering? Why your neighbors complain that your TV is too loud? Why, no matter how high you turn up the volume on your cellphone, you can't understand what the caller is saying?
Are people not enunciating clearly? Or could the problem be your hearing?
A visit to the doctor can reveal the cause. Hearing decline can be due to ear wax, an infection, medications or to, shall we say, advancing maturity.
Gradual hearing loss can occur in people of all ages, including the younger set if exposed over a prolonged time without protection to loud noises from machines or music. Hearing loss affects nearly 40 percent of people over 65; it is the third most common health-related problem in older Americans.
If the decline is gradual, you may not be aware of it. To others, however, your situation is loud and clear.
Don't Let Decline Lead to
Depression
Age-related hearing loss is permanent, but you don't have to let it stop you from enjoying life.
You can deal with the decline in many ways. Devices such as hearing aids, which are practically invisible, can be effective. To avoid the depression that may accompany reduced hearing, try to concentrate on people's facial expressions, body language and tone of voice to help discern what they are saying.
And the next time you accuse your spouse of mumbling, consider this: perhaps the change isn't in their voice, but in your ears.
So get to an audiologist and get back to hearing sweet nothings whispered in your ear.
Reach Kaufman at [email protected].
Are people not enunciating clearly? Or could the problem be your hearing?
A visit to the doctor can reveal the cause. Hearing decline can be due to ear wax, an infection, medications or to, shall we say, advancing maturity.
Gradual hearing loss can occur in people of all ages, including the younger set if exposed over a prolonged time without protection to loud noises from machines or music. Hearing loss affects nearly 40 percent of people over 65; it is the third most common health-related problem in older Americans.
If the decline is gradual, you may not be aware of it. To others, however, your situation is loud and clear.
Don't Let Decline Lead to
Depression
Age-related hearing loss is permanent, but you don't have to let it stop you from enjoying life.
You can deal with the decline in many ways. Devices such as hearing aids, which are practically invisible, can be effective. To avoid the depression that may accompany reduced hearing, try to concentrate on people's facial expressions, body language and tone of voice to help discern what they are saying.
And the next time you accuse your spouse of mumbling, consider this: perhaps the change isn't in their voice, but in your ears.
So get to an audiologist and get back to hearing sweet nothings whispered in your ear.
Reach Kaufman at [email protected].