June 2020 - Hearing Doctors of NJ

“What did you say?” Face masks, hearing loss, and reading lips.

It goes without saying that over the past few months, everyone’s lives have changed dramatically. Our social interactions have become much more limited. But hearing and being heard is still incredibly critical to our well-being. People want to see other people and are finding innovative ways to do so. FaceTime and Zoom calls with family and friends have become commonplace. But I cannot help but think about those family and friends who struggle to hear. Communication is challenging when you miss part of what is being said.

Resuming to a “New Normal”

Now that the world is slowly beginning to “open up” and life is resuming to a “new normal”, I cannot help but think about those who have difficulty hearing. To be around others, we now have to remain 6 feet apart and wear face masks. Those who have hearing difficulty have unique challenges today. When you cover your mouth, it is harder to hear and understand what is being said. I’ve seen wonderful posts online of people wearing pins that explain they have hearing loss and face masks that have a plastic panel to help people read lips (we just ordered some for our office!!). These simple measures can help others so much to hear and be heard.

If you know someone who is struggling to hear during these times, please consider encouraging them to get the help they need now. One of the most common things patients say when they finally get hearing aids is, “I can’t believe that I waited this long to get the help I need. It really wasn’t a big deal and now I can finally hear!” Communication struggles are real, especially now.

Customized Hearing Solutions for You

At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey we strive to find customized solutions for you, your family and friends so they can hear to their fullest potential. Call us today to schedule your appointment. Do not put off what you can do today to live your fullest life and remain connected to others around you. Hear and be heard.

Click here now to receive your FREE insider’s guide to learn how to make an informed and intelligent decision when purchasing a hearing aid!

Don’t Ignore Hearing Loss.

Don’t let hearing loss hurt your relationships

It’s frustrating when you can’t hear everything being said to you — and not just for you.

Not hearing well may make it hard to keep up with friends and family. After a while, you might start feeling excluded from conversations because you have trouble hearing what’s being said.

That may make you feel alone. But you’re not alone. About 1 in 3 people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, according to the National Institute on Aging. That number climbs with older age.

If people don’t know you’re having a hard time hearing, they may assume you’re uninterested, confused, or irritable. That may create problems in your relationships and leave you and others feeling angry or frustrated.

That’s why it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about hearing loss. In many cases, a hearing aid may help. Or there may be other reasons for your hearing loss — reasons that could be treated.

Hiding hearing loss from the ones who love you is never a good idea. Instead, try these tips for staying in the conversation:

Let people know you have a hearing problem.

Ask them to face you and speak clearly and slowly.

Let them know if you didn’t catch what they said.

Look for quieter places to talk.

Pay attention. It’s easier to understand missed words when you know the context of the conversation.

Instead of withdrawing, turn to your loved ones for help if you’re experiencing hearing loss. Chances are, they want to support you through this.

Click here now to receive your FREE insider’s guide to learn how to make an informed and intelligent decision when purchasing a hearing aid!

Sources: American Geriatrics Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute on Aging

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