Hearing Loss and the Blues

Our hearing is an important sense. It allows us to communicate and connect with others and enjoy the world around us. When hearing health starts to decline our ability to listen and communicate also declines.

Communication takes place all day and for most of us that communication is in the form of sound. We might need to listen to a meeting at work, to a school issue with a child at home or to a parent or friend on the telephone. Listening can even be a form of relaxation and discovery, such as watching television or listening to music, checking out a new play or show or attending a church service. All these activities require our ears to process and interpret sound well.

When hearing declines, listening and communicating become frustrating. Frustration can lead to anger and all too often to giving up. In fact, it has been shown that untreated hearing loss leads people to withdraw from activities and their communities. When your world becomes silent, when you feel locked in, you can also start to feel sad and lonely and ultimately even depressed.

If your hearing loss has got you feeling down or if you feel like your loved one is withdrawing due to their hearing loss, it is important to know that there is something you can do. Seek help from a hearing loss professional.

While hearing loss cannot be cured it can be treated. In fact, hearing aids can dramatically improve most types of hearing loss. The first step is meeting with a hearing care professional who will become your partner as you navigate the road to better hearing health. He or she will make sure you select the right hearing aid and determine the best fit, so you can be ready to again listen, communicate and take part in the world around you.