Volume 19, Number 6

The Bridge

                  Feb.2003


Hard of Hearing

HEALTH CORNER

Is it hearing test time? Are you beginning to suspect that there's a widespread mumbling conspiracy afoot? You may be suffering from an invisible disability that's the third most common health problem in the United States, afflicting 30 percent of adults ages 65 and older. It's hearing loss and many people don't even suspect they have it.

To see if you may be one of the 28 million American suffering from hearing loss, ask yourself if any of the following situations apply to you on a regular basis. If so, consider seeing an audiologist for a hearing test.

  1. You miss a social event because you misunderstood the place or time.

  2. You'd rather sit at home and watch reruns than go to a party, because parties are noisy and you can't hear conversations.

  3. You feud with family members because they turn the television or stereo down way too low.

  4. When attending speaking events you have to ask others what was said?

  5. You find men's voices easier to understand than women's.

  6. You avoid talking on the phone because the sound quality isn't what it used to be.

For more information on hearing loss, contact the American Academy of Audiology at 800/222-2336, or on the web at www.audiology.org.