Even a hairdryer or vacuum cleaner are loud enough to start to erode hearing. Ninety-five per cent of hearing loss can be helped with a hearing aid, but unfortunately, only one in five people with a hearing impairment wear one.

Hearing loss is invisible and is typically gradual. Hearing loss is the second most common cause of claims to the Workplace, Safety & Insurance Board. Hearing loss is the third most serious health issue in seniors, next to arthritis and hypertension. Surprisingly, only 14 per cent of doctors routinely screen for hearing loss during physicals.

A typical hearing loss begins gradually and can easily be compensated for by turning up the volume on the TV and asking people to repeat themselves.

Sometimes the person feels others are mumbling or speaking quickly. Often the first sounds to be affected with a hearing loss are the high tones, which include p, s, f, t, d, sh and ch. This makes understanding speech very difficult.

Untreated, a hearing loss can strain relationships and isolate the person, which can lead to anxiety and depression. So it is therefore important to do something about hearing problems as soon as possible.

Today, there are many options available. Companies have come out with micro, open-fit hearing instruments to address these high frequency hearing losses.

Many people think hearing aids are big and ugly, will make them look older or that they do not sound good. That is simply not the case anymore.

New hearing aid models are smaller, more stylish and have outstanding digital sound quality. These new hearing devices are smaller and sleeker than many high-tech cell phone attachments people wear all the time.

A hearing aid will improve communication in meetings and noisy places, such as restaurants.

There are warning signs of hearing loss. Take this short quiz to see if you or your loved one may need a hearing evaluation.

* Do you have difficulty hearing women's or children's voices?

* Do you hear well in quiet but have difficulty hearing when there is background noise?

* Can you hear people but not understand them?

* Do people complain about how loud you have the TV or radio?

* Have you ever been exposed to excessive noise?

* Do you experience ringing in your ears?

If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, you may have a hearing problem. Several 'yes' answers strongly suggests a hearing check is necessary.

By Stoney Creek News
http://www.stoneycreeknews.com/scn/news/news_580089.html