For Better Health for Paramount Elite Members

For Paramount Elite Members: For Better Health



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Here’s to Your Hearing

Photo of mature man smiling; Model used for illustrative purposes only Do you find it hard to hear when you talk on the phone? Do others complain that you turn the TV up too loud? These are common signs of hearing loss, and it’s often part of getting older.

About one-third of Americans ages 65 to 74 and almost half of people ages 75 and older don’t hear as well as they used to.

Can You Repeat That?
Ask yourself some questions to see whether your hearing needs help:

Does it seem like other people mumble or slur their speech?

Do you have to strain to understand what others are saying?

Do you have a hard time hearing others when there is background noise?

Is it hard for you to understand women and children?

Do you often have to ask people to repeat themselves?

Do people around you get annoyed because you often can’t hear what they are saying?

Do you have a ringing, roaring, or hissing sound (tinnitus) in one or both ears?

Why Is It Hard to Hear?
Hearing loss occurs as you get older because blood supply to the ear decreases. The eardrum also can change, making it harder for sound waves to reach the inner ear. If you’ve been exposed to loud noises over the years, they may have damaged the inner ear or the ear’s nerves, too. Examples of loud noises that cause hearing loss are construction noise, traffic sounds, loud music, and noisy equipment, such as lawn mowers and snowmobiles.

Many people don’t realize their hearing has gotten worse because it happens so gradually. If you have signs of hearing loss, see your doctor. He or she may check your hearing or send you to a hearing specialist.

Don’t be embarrassed by a hearing problem. By getting help, you’ll be able to enjoy life more.

How Is Hearing Checked?
Find out what happens at a hearing evaluation. Go to www.paramounthealthcare.com and click on “Better Health for Life,” “H” in the encyclopedia at top, and then “Hearing Evaluation, Your.”