It’s summer. Time for loved ones and enjoying some of your favourite activities: going to the beach, camping in the forest or visiting loved ones.
It is rich smorgasbord for the senses: the vivid sights, the vibrant smells, the touch of nature — it is all perfect. What makes it even more perfect is the ability to hear the sounds of children splashing in the water or embrace the calmness which comes with the sounds of flowing mountain river.
If you can’t quite pick up those sounds, there is good news. It is just time to love your ears.
No matter if you are just needing a little tweak to your hearing or you need some more powerful assistance HearingLife can help.
HearingLife can offer custom solutions to each individual situation. Katie Koebel, Senior Manager, Audiology with HearingLife says now is a good time for those wanting to ensure their hearing is where it needs to be.
“Summer is typically a busy time for family gatherings, outings, adventures and celebrations. We know summer is short-lived so we pack in as much fun as we can and this is often with our loved ones,” explains Koebel. “The importance of maintaining healthy hearing and being able to enjoy lively conversations is something we want everyone to experience. It’s through these conversations that we connect to those around us. Summer is a great time to be proactive so you don’t miss out on the fun. Many of our clients report only having one regret when it comes to their hearing aids; they wish that they would have gotten them sooner!”
There are many options for potential hearing aid wearers. It is not a one size fits-all and turn up the volume sort of deal. Price, style, amount of amplification and technological features are all very individual and specific factors which goes into honing in on what is best for you.
“There are options that fit right in your ear canal, some that are larger in the ear, and some that sit behind your ear and connect to your ear canal with a thin wire,” explains Koebel. “Each of these styles have various models to suit your hearing needs in different listening environments. Your hearing healthcare professional will help you choose the right option based on your level of hearing loss, lifestyle, personal preferences and budget. There’s a hearing aid option for everyone!”
There are so many options because technology has improved drastically. The best advancements would be rechargeable hearing aids and Bluetooth technology. Changing batteries was always a hassle so the elimination of this makes care and maintenance of hearing aids for users less complicated and timely. Being able to connect your hearing aids wirelessly to cell phones, TV, and computers allows users to integrate technology and sound enhancements of their hearing aids with devices they use daily. It’s really a game changer.”
Many people without hearing assistance who need it, try to adjust, compensate or perhaps aren’t aware they even need help with clearer hearing. One such problem which could arise is tinnitus, something which is more common than what is realized.
“Tinnitus is any sound that you hear that does not have an external source. Many people will describe it as a whistling, humming or ringing sound,”explains Koebel. ‘It is often a symptom of hearing loss or other damage in the auditory system, and if you are experiencing tinnitus it is important that you have your hearing tested. HearingLife can provide this test for you, free of charge, and can recommend solutions to decrease the negative impacts of tinnitus.
“Hearing loss occurs very gradually over time in most cases, and those that experience it often do not notice it declining. We recommend everyone gets a baseline hearing test, especially those aged 60 or over. Addressing hearing loss in the early stages is the best way to ensure you are hearing well in the years to come and reducing your risks of other negative health effects. Having an untreated hearing loss has been linked to social isolation, depression, cognitive decline and risk of falls.”
HearingLife offers initial hearing tests free of charge. It’s as simple as calling our toll free number, 1-888-514-9515, or visiting our website hearinglife.ca to book your free hearing test at a clinic close to you.
