Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/997130
Special to NWa Democrat-Gazette According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), approximately 15 percent of American adults aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing. That translates to 37.5 million Americans suffering from some form of hearing loss. It is estimated that 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids — however, among adults aged 70 and older with hearing loss, fewer than one in three (30 percent) has ever used them. Most people don't realize that the majority of hearing losses can be helped with hearing aids. While hearing aids do not restore hearing to "normal" or "cure" hearing loss, they can provide significant improvement in your ability to communicate with loved ones if the hearing aids are appropriate for your specific listening needs. They must also be worn consistently and properly maintained over time. "Many of my new patients are surprised when I describe to them the amount of work we put into ensuring success with hearing aids," noted Dr. Dustin Richards, Au.D., founder and audiologist of Wolfpack Hearing Clinic of Fayetteville. "By the time we complete the fitting and initial batch of follow- up appointments, they understand expectations, the immeasurable value of better hearing, and why we as staff work as hard as we do." Untreated hearing embarrassment, social fatigue for the person as well as for family In the case of children, loss can affect school development. Hearing restrict life activities, hearing aids with appropriate strategies can help situations. Unless you're most discussion on problems with hearing. wonders of hearing how we use it in our appreciate and understand our sense of hearing. We start with communication. respond to the human other sound. The desire be understood is a Accordingly, hearing connect with other Understanding the importance Wolfpack Meeting the hearing Our sense is truly remarkable and impacts quality of minute 10 | YoU AT YoUR beST | nwADg.com/YoUATYoURbeST JUlY - The 5 SenSeS | SATURDAY, JUne 30, 2018