“Z” is for Zika (and other viruses that cause hearing loss)

The Zika outbreak last year brought awareness to the sad reality that certain viruses in the expectant mother can cause significant health problems to the unborn child. Many of those “Zika babies” are born with physical deformities or develop other deficits– which studies now show to include hearing loss. Even if not present immediately, the child should be monitored as the hearing loss can set in later on- just as we see for children who are prenatally exposed to CMV or herpes simplex.

Similarly, the Rubella (“German Measles”) epidemic in the US between 1962-1965 left many of those born to infected moms, with permanent hearing loss. Many children with hearing loss went undiscovered for years, due to the lack of early hearing detection/intervention programs at the time. Nowadays, we are fortunate to have many institutions in place to try to “catch” those children with hearing loss before they fall behind their hearing peers. And of course, those who have hearing loss owing to Rubella should recognize that there are many more options for treatment nowadays than perhaps were offered to them in the past. Speak to an audiologist who can recommend a custom plan based on your unique history and needs.

Here’s to the final letter of the BetterHearingABC’s, and to “Health/y/ears”!

“Y” is for Youth

Oh, to be young! Many people shy away from treating a hearing loss because it feels like they are resigning to old age. Ladies and gentlemen, this thinking could not be more wrong. When you pay attention to those people who take care of their hearing versus those who let it go unchecked– the former are often the ones who are living healthier, active, and more “youthful” lives. When I spot a person wearing a well-fit pair of hearing aids, I am IMPRESSED. The statement it makes is that this person (or who someone who cares about them) is proactive about their health and living life without limitations. And that is surely a symbol of youth.

U is for Urgency

For some reason, when it comes to hearing loss, the overwhelming majority of people put off taking care of themselves. It just does not seem urgent, dangerous, or particularly exciting. This leads the average person to wait 6-7 years from when they receive their diagnosis of hearing loss to when they actually get a hearing aid! Seven years represents a significant amount of frustrations and limitations that could be avoided. Don’t be passive about your quality of life, and don’t underestimate your worth in looking after your health needs… if you find yourself struggling with any aspect of your hearing, why not get a routine hearing check, see what’s going on and listen to what the audiologist has to recommend. Whether it’s listening exercises, a (free) captioning telephone, a hearing aid, or other strategies: there is a treatment plan for you that can improve your life, today.

T is for Tinnitus

Do you have ringing, buzzing, roaring, whooshing or any other unwanted sounds in the ear? More teenagers than ever are experiencing persistent tinnitus, which is a common sign of damage to the ear and typically affects people over age 50. It can be an warning sign of oncoming hearing loss, or it may signal a hearing loss already present.

Loud music is notorious for causing this upsurge in tinnitus and headaches among younger folks, with musicians particularly at risk. Although it can be managed, there is no real cure for tinnitus.

This condition is largely preventable through safe listening habits. Just ask Chris Martin of Coldplay who battles with tinnitus, and is now meticulous about wearing hearing protection during concerts in which he performs or attends:

“Looking after your ears is unfortunately something you don’t think about until there’s a problem. I wish I’d thought about it earlier.”

If you are experiencing persistent tinnitus, please see your audiologist to assess the health of your ears and hearing, and to discuss possible options for prevention and management.

R is for Relationships

Isn’t that what life’s all about? Hearing our family, friends, workmates, doctors, friendly passersby and even our pets… without these connections, it is very difficult to function. When communicating with your loved one becomes a hassle because you need to strain your voice to speak loudly, or they swear they heard one thing when you know you said something else… it might be time to have an earnest conversation with them about their hearing health. By taking steps to manage hearing loss in its early stages, it is possible to ward off the downstream negative effects that unfortunately are all too common. Healthy hearing makes for healthy aging!

Photo Credits: Unknown. We thank the creative artist.

P is for Pregnancy & Beyond

Calling all ladies! There are certain hearing losses that are more prevalent among women, due to all those hormonal fluctuations over the course of our menstrual cycles, pregnancies and menopause. This Pinktober, let’s support breast cancer awareness by not overlooking ANY aspect of our health. Women’s bodies are truly amazing and deserve the “royal treatment” in medical attention!

O is for Obesity

Now that the holidays are approaching, keep in mind that too many extra pounds puts one at a higher risk for hearing loss. In addition- what the treadmill does for physical fitness, hearing aids and sustained communication can accomplish for mental fitness! Healthy ears, healthy years. I’ll drink to that! 😉

L is for Longer Lifespan

It’s no secret that life expectancy has improved from previous generations. Compare the average lifespan in the US of 69.77 in 1960, to 79.16 in 2015.

However, this blessing of added years often brings along chronic health issues, such as hearing loss, that place restrictions on daily activities.

By taking the proper steps to manage such conditions, we promote healthy aging: keeping ones cognitive and physical abilities in the best shape possible, in order to enjoy the Golden Years connected to the people and activities one loves.

If you suspect that you or someone you care about are being affected by a hearing loss, please give us a call at 917-791-1510 to fulfill those hearing needs, gracefully.

I is for Invisible Handicap

Individuals with hearing loss often struggle quietly, embarrassed to seek help or tell others about their difficulty that is not outwardly obvious. However, this attitude can lead to social isolation and withdrawal, which goes directly against healthy aging.

H is for Home Visits

 

Shockingly, only 1 in 4 people who could benefit from audiology services actually receive appropriate care. Much of this has to do with lack of accessibility, especially when there are so many other pressing health concerns! However, maintaining your sense of hearing supports cognitive activity and is recommended in order to promote quality of life and general psychological health. We recognize that your schedule might be full, or transportation difficult, which is why we proudly offer full service, in-­home visits when needed. If you, or anyone you know can benefit from quality hearing healthcare in the comfort and privacy of their home (or our office!), please call us at 917-791-­1510 to schedule a visit.