Encourage Loved Ones to Rediscover the Gift of Sound Published April 14, 2010 By Capt April Taylor 48th Medical Surgical Operations Squadron ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- It's a new year, and that can mean new beginnings. Do you know someone who has a hearing loss? You could help them change their lives by encouraging them to see an audiologist for a hearing evaluation. According to a recent Better Hearing Institute survey of nearly 47,000 households, more than half of new first-time owners of hearing aids indicated that family members were a key factor influencing their purchase of a hearing aid in 2008. After being tested, fifty-five percent of new hearing aids users sought treatment once they realized how serious their hearing loss was. According to Dr. Sergei Kochkin, executive director of BHI, denial and lack of hearing loss testing pose significant barriers to the improved well-being of people with unaddressed hearing loss. "Half of people with untreated hearing loss simply aren't aware of their hearing loss and the impact it has on their lives and the lives of their loved ones -- while others deny or minimize their known hearing loss," said Doctor Kochkin. Research shows that hearing loss is one of the most commonly unaddressed health conditions in America today. Numerous studies have linked untreated hearing loss to a wide range of physical and emotional conditions that include anything from depression or withdrawal from social situations, to impaired memory and the inability to learn new tasks. Hearing loss can also reduce job performance, promotion, and diminished psychological and overall health. Though many people know that their hearing has gotten worse, they are still reluctant to seek help. Some are in denial or are embarrassed, and others just dread the thought of wearing hearing aids. Check out these statistics regarding hearing loss from BHI: · 1 out of 10 Americans have a hearing loss --- that's more than 31,000,000 people. · 3 out of 1,000 children are born with hearing loss. · 1.4 million children have hearing loss. · 15% of "baby-boomers" (ages 45-64) have hearing loss. · 29% of people over age 65 have hearing loss. · The majority (65%) of people with hearing loss are below retirement age. · The majority (60%) of people with hearing loss are males. As an audiologist, I thoroughly evaluate and diagnose hearing loss in people of all ages and fit hearing aids for active duty, dependents and retirees. I'm located in the hospital right here at RAF Lakenheath. Make 2010 the year you help your loved one(s) rediscover the gift of sound. If you have a friend or family member who is in need of Audiological services, encourage them to be evaluated. It could certainly make their life and yours more enjoyable! If you or your loved ones have hearing concerns, please don't hesitate to make an appointment by calling the Audiology Clinic at 226-8566.