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Listen up:
Don’t suffer an unnecessary loss
As the year starts to wind down, many peo- ple are starting to look forward to the holidays. For many of us, that means spending time with friends and family and holiday parties. The ability to hear is often taken for granted, yet for people with hearing loss, this time of year can be overwhelming. Hearing loss can affect employment, relationships and families, and is a growing public health concern, affecting 20 percent of Americans. By age 65, one out of
every three people will report some type of hearing loss. Hearing loss now has been linked with several other chronic diseases. Having high blood pressure or diabetes increases the risk for hearing loss occurring sooner and progressing more rapidly. Jobs with high noise exposure
or hobbies that are noisy can pose an additional threat on hearing loss occurring earlier in life.
Hearing loss is not something to be taken light- ly and can affect a person’s quality of life. People with hearing loss can be withdrawn, isolated and depressed. Untreated hearing loss poses a risk for developing dementia, but early identification and
62 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ DECEMBER 2016
treatment can help to negate these risks.
Hearing loss is generally insidious in nature and can be
difficult for the affected person to notice. Below are some signs that you may have hearing loss:
DR. MARIE VETTER- TOALSON
•
Do you have difficulty hearing when someone is
speaking in a whisper?
•Does your hearing cause you to attend lectures or
religious services less often than you would like? • Do you have difficulty when listening to TV or
radio?
• Do you have ringing or buzzing in your ears?
• Do you have difficulty understanding people when in a crowded restaurant?
HEALTH
If you answer “yes” to these questions, you should re- ceive a full hearing evaluation to determine the severity of the hearing loss and treatment recommendations. It is recommended that people receive a baseline hearing evaluation at age 65, or sooner, should communication or hearing issues arise.
A Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) is a university-trained professional who can diagnose and non-medically treat hearing loss. Audiologists can assist with preventing hearing loss from occurring early, preventing hearing loss from further decreasing, providing patient education or finding a treatment solution most appropriate for a pa- tient’s hearing loss and needs.
The end of the year is a great time to get your hear- ing evaluated and, if needed, seek treatment. You, your friends and your family will notice an ease of listening and communication, the ability to engage in conver- sation and confidence in meeting and conversing with co-workers and new friends. d
Marie Vetter-Toalson, Au.D. is the owner and audiologist of Chicago Hearing Services. She received her undergrad- uate degree from the University of North Dakota and her Doctorate of Audiology from The Ohio State University. Dr. Vetter-Toalson is involved in the American Academy of Au- diology, the Illinois Academy of Audiology and Big Shoul- ders Fund Chairman’s Advisory Council. Chicago Hearing Services has served northwest Chicago since 1990.