Hearing is one of our most important senses. Without the ability to hear, communication becomes difficult, social gatherings become frustrating, and quality of life suffers. Hearing loss is invisible and almost always painless. Statistically, one-in-ten Canadians have hearing loss. Hearing loss is the third most prevalent, but treatable condition among seniors (after hypertension and arthritis). More than 50% of Canadians over the age of 65 have hearing loss, but many are reluctant to seek help from a Registered Audiologist or Registered Hearing Aid Practitioner.

However, research demonstrates the considerable negative social, psychological, cognitive and health effects of untreated hearing loss . . . with far-reaching implications that go well beyond hearing alone. In fact, those who have difficulty hearing can experience such distorted and incomplete communication that it adversely affects their professional and personal lives, at times leading to isolation and withdrawal.

Studies have linked untreated hearing loss to:

• irritability, negativism and anger
• fatigue, tension, stress and depression
• avoidance or withdrawal from social situations
• social rejection and loneliness
• reduced alertness and increased risk to personal safety
• reduced job performance and earning power
• diminished psychological and overall health
  (Sergei Kochkin, Ph.D., Executive Director, Better Hearing Institute. http://www.betterhearing.org)

Hearing loss is not just an ailment of old age. It can strike at any time and any age, even childhood. For the young, even a mild or moderate case of hearing loss could bring difficulty learning, developing speech and building the important interpersonal skills necessary to foster self-esteem and succeed in school and life.

Soundwave Hearing Care is Registered Audiologists and Registered Hearing Aid Practitioners who are ready to work with you and your family to improve your hearing and communication abilities. The answer begins with recognizing hearing loss, learning more about it, and taking back control of your life.