COME HANG OUT IN THE GROUP
Thursday, November 30, 2023
Top-Rated Senior Lifestyle Magazine
ADVERTISEMENT
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Our Mission: 50 Plus Today, Senior Lifestyle Magazine
    • Our 50PlusToday Team
    • 50PlusToday Advisory Council
    • In the News
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us
  • WORK WITH US
    • Be Our Guest – 50PlusToday Online Senior Lifestyle Magazine
    • Advertorials (Sponsored Content) for 50PlusToday
    • Online Advertising Agreement
    • Join Our Advance Book Review Team
    • The 50PlusToday SECOND ACT Award
  • HOT TOPICS
    • Health
    • Living
    • Money
    • Recipes
    • Second Act
    • Technology
    • Travel
    • Work & Purpose
    • Gift Guides
    • Product Reviews
  • GIFT GUIDES
  • 50PLUS DIRECTORY
    • 50PLUS BUSINESS DIRECTORY
  • EVENT CENTER
    • FIND AN EVENT
No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Our Mission: 50 Plus Today, Senior Lifestyle Magazine
    • Our 50PlusToday Team
    • 50PlusToday Advisory Council
    • In the News
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us
  • WORK WITH US
    • Be Our Guest – 50PlusToday Online Senior Lifestyle Magazine
    • Advertorials (Sponsored Content) for 50PlusToday
    • Online Advertising Agreement
    • Join Our Advance Book Review Team
    • The 50PlusToday SECOND ACT Award
  • HOT TOPICS
    • Health
    • Living
    • Money
    • Recipes
    • Second Act
    • Technology
    • Travel
    • Work & Purpose
    • Gift Guides
    • Product Reviews
  • GIFT GUIDES
  • 50PLUS DIRECTORY
    • 50PLUS BUSINESS DIRECTORY
  • EVENT CENTER
    • FIND AN EVENT
No Result
View All Result
Top-Rated Senior Lifestyle Magazine
No Result
View All Result
Home Health hearing loss

What Did You Say? (My Husband Thinks I Need a Hearing Test)

25/09/2023
in Health, hearing loss
A A
age related hearing loss
0
SHARES
0
VIEWS

Table of Contents

  • My Hearing Loss Gradually Snuck Up on Me
  • Have You Had a Hearing Test?
  • When Should You Have Your Hearing Evaluated?
  • Age-Related Hearing Loss
  • ClearCaptions -Free phone Service for Hearing Impaired Individuals
by Ellen Blake

“Turn down the TV!”

My husband tells me fairly often that I turn the volume up too high when I watch TV. He also complains I speak too loudly on the phone. I noticed that it is more difficult lately to hear conversations in noisy restaurants with the people who sit right next to me. The truth is, at age 59, I do not hear as well as I did in the past. I really hate to admit that, even to myself.

My Hearing Loss Gradually Snuck Up on Me

It wasn’t as though one day I realized I did not hear well. My hearing loss snuck up on me slowly over the last few years. I actually didn’t realize that I now hear fewer sounds until my husband forced me to have a conversation about it. I do know I frequently ask people to repeat their comments or questions nowadays, and I know that can irritate others. I used to get annoyed with people who asked me to repeat myself, which I feel badly about now.  I hope people have more patience with me than I had for others as I continue to age.

Have You Had a Hearing Test?

According to the nationalhearingtest.org website, approximately 36 million Americans have significant hearing loss but never had a hearing test. Could one of them be you?

Many people don’t seek help for their hearing loss. Some, like me, are in denial. Others worry about how hearing aids look and what people may think. People who use hearing aids tell me the technology is much improved and some devices are so small they are barely noticeable.

10 Expert-Approved Tips to Protect Your Hearing As You Age

When Should You Have Your Hearing Evaluated?

How do you know when it’s time to seek a hearing evaluation? For me, the first step was to acknowledge I might have a problem. As I watched my parents age, I knew that untreated hearing loss can lead to a decline in quality of life, social isolation, problems on the job, and frequent embarrassment. I know these facts intellectually, but emotionally, it is difficult to admit I needed help. 

Once I accepted I may have a problem, I decided to take a test. My family doctor suggested I start with a basic screening rather than go first to an audiologist. AARP recommends a scientifically validated hearing screen test called the National Hearing Test (NHT) as a more convenient way to proceed initially.  This telephone-administered screening is an independent test developed with funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  AARP offers its members the opportunity to take this test once/a year for free. The test, which takes about 4 minutes per ear, costs only $8.00 for those who are not AARP members. The NHT very effectively detects the most common forms of hearing loss, those that are age-related and those that result from exposure to loud noises. Other less common types of hearing problems require a different approach. The National Hearing Test (NHT) helps you decide whether to seek a full hearing evaluation. However, even if you pass this test, if concerned about your hearing you may still want to see an audiologist for further assessment.

Age-Related Hearing Loss

It turns out I have mild age-related hearing loss. I learned recently the technical term for this condition is presbycusis. I ignored the signs for years simply because I didn’t want to have a hearing problem; it made me feel old. I am now in a place where I admit my hearing is less sensitive now than when I was younger and acknowledge it is a normal part of aging. I also feel better about growing older in general. It’s certainly better than the alternative.

More information on the National Hearing Test

ClearCaptions -Free phone Service for Hearing Impaired Individuals

I am not yet at the point where it’s too difficult for me to hear on the telephone, but I know many people already in that situation. They seem to often feel isolated and alone because they cannot communicate with loved ones easily by phone.  Recently, I learned about ClearCaptions phone captioning service, available to U.S. residents with a recognized hearing loss. This program is paid is funded by a program managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). There is no cost to qualified individuals who have a hearing loss that makes it difficult to use their regular phones. 
Founded in 2011, ClearCaptions is passionate about keeping people connected.  The service is similar to captioned television. Using ClearCaptions allows you to see the words your callers say, which is made possible by their innovative home or mobile phone app.  This free service from the FCC is not widely known…spread the word!  LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEAR CAPTIONS

 

Previous Post

Gymglish: Adaptive Learning Courses

Next Post

Once Upon a December by Amy E. Reichert

POPULAR

using walking poles for seniors
Health

Walking and Trekking Poles Help Seniors Stay Active

27/11/2023
gifts for dementia patients
Gift Guides

Best Gifts for Loved Ones with Dementia

13/11/2023
treatment for dry cracked heels
Skin Care Truths

Treatment for Dry Cracked Heels: Give Your Feet Some Love

12/11/2023
Next Post
once upon a december book review

Once Upon a December by Amy E. Reichert

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purposes.

Recent Posts

  • Walking and Trekking Poles Help Seniors Stay Active
  • 10 Things That Increasingly Annoy Me as I Grow Older
  • Mindfulness for Healthy Aging
  • Book Giveaway: Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
  • Book Giveaway: Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
50plusdirectory

YouTube video

distinctive life
gift guides for seniors
abilities expo

YouTube video

Try AARP's #1 Health App Now!

MIGHTY HEALTH is the first fitness and wellness app designed specifically for people over 50.

INCLUDES:
*Your own health coach
*Daily workout videos
*Personalized nutrition/exercise plans *Supportive community

START TODAY!

Latest Reviews

  • Book Giveaway: Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
    4.45
  • Book Giveaway: Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
    4.45
  • Book Review: The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel
    4.5

DISCLAIMER: The health and wellness information included on this website is not a substitute for or a replacement of professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!


  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure
  • Sitemap
  • Contact

© 2022 50PlusToday. LLC All Rights Reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Our Mission: 50 Plus Today, Senior Lifestyle Magazine
    • Our 50PlusToday Team
    • 50PlusToday Advisory Council
    • In the News
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us
  • WORK WITH US
    • Be Our Guest – 50PlusToday Online Senior Lifestyle Magazine
    • Advertorials (Sponsored Content) for 50PlusToday
    • Online Advertising Agreement
    • Join Our Advance Book Review Team
    • The 50PlusToday SECOND ACT Award
  • HOT TOPICS
    • Health
    • Living
    • Money
    • Recipes
    • Second Act
    • Technology
    • Travel
    • Work & Purpose
    • Gift Guides
    • Product Reviews
  • GIFT GUIDES
  • 50PLUS DIRECTORY
    • 50PLUS BUSINESS DIRECTORY
  • EVENT CENTER
    • FIND AN EVENT

© 2022 50PlusToday. LLC All Rights Reserved

X