You At Your Best

SpeCiAl to nWA DemoCrAt-GAzette A fast approaching ambulance, a tornado siren, a loved one in distress. What do all these things have in common? They may be heard before the danger is seen. While our vision alerts us to any potential hazard in front of us, hearing allows us to look in all directions. Hearing keeps us safe by keeping us in tune with our environment. It is our very own warning system, alerting us to dangers we may not see. While we close our eyes to sleep, hearing never stops. It actively surveys our environment to alert and wake us if necessary. Like our eyesight, we tend to take our hearing for granted, assuming it will always be there for us, even though hearing loss affects 1 out of 3 adults aged 65 or older. Hearing impairment develops so gradually that many aren't even aware of a problem until it has advanced beyond an easily treatable stage. This could be avoided if we treated our ears with the same care and attention paid to our eyes; much like routine vision exams, regular hearing exams are an excellent first line of defense. Early detection increases the odds of successful treatment. Hearing exams are quick, painless and even fun. When the time is right for you, consider scheduling your annual hearing evaluation at Wolfpack Hearing! In addition to hearing evaluations, they also offer hearing aids, hearing aid adjustments, repairs, cleanings and maintenance, cerumen (ear wax) removal, tinnitus evaluation and treatment, occupational testing, and auditory rehabilitation. Owner and Audiologist Dustin Richards, Au.D., Managing Director Marla Richards, MS, LD, RD, and Director of Operations Sarah Jones, MS, LD, RD, are joined together in a common goal — to help meet the needs of those with hearing problems. Visit Wolfpack Hearing Clinic at 2630 E. Citizens Drive, #7 in Fayetteville; located at the intersection of Crossover and Mission in Kantz Center. They can also be contacted by phone at (479) 957-9300 or by visiting wolfpackhearing.com. Hearing allows us to look in all directions SponSor Content by SUzAnne rHoDeS Like many people, you may be wondering what's good and what's bad for your eyes, considering the many innovations now available in the arena of visual health. Read on to learn what two NWA eye care professionals recommend. Dr. Chad Betts is an ophthalmologist and owner of McDonald Eye Clinic in Fayetteville. Dr. Kaitlin Spikes is a licensed optometrist with Henry Eye Clinic in Fayetteville. Sunglasses How does sunlight damage my eyes? Dr. Betts: UV-A and UV-B rays from the sun can enter your eyes and cause both short- and long-term damage. Exposure to UV rays contributes to the development of macular degeneration, speeds up cataract development, leads to skin cancer around the eye and even corneal sunburns. What type of sunglasses should I get? Dr. Betts: Look for sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays. Oversized frames offer a greater degree of protection around the eye as well. The color of the lens isn't as important, as some dark lenses don't protect against all UV rays. Polarized lenses are very popular with our patients who spend a lot of time outdoors and especially those who enjoy fishing. The polarization decreases glare and can make being outside more comfortable. Color blind glasses What do they do? Do they work? Dr. Spikes: Color blind glasses have nWA doctors give tips for healthy eyes look for sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of UV-A and UV-b rays. 6 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST SEpTEmBER - ViSiOn HEAlTH | SATURdAY, AUgUST 31, 2019 Located in East Fayetteville 2630 E Citizens Dr. #7 (479) 957-9300 wolfpackhearing.com Our patients succeed. You will, too! Best BestNWA.com of Northwest Arkansas the

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