| If you can't hear what's going on, your mobility could | | | | the sufferer may feel that they've suddenly become |
| be affected. Here are some points to consider if you | | | | 'old' overnight. Yet the benefits of clear hearing |
| think your hearing might not be as good as it used to | | | | vastly outweigh any disadvantages that may be |
| be. | | | | perceived about wearing a hearing aid. |
| Strangely enough, hearing loss is a growing problem | | | | So what effects can improved hearing have on |
| due to the fact that we are tending to live longer! | | | | mobility? The greatest is safety. In any situation |
| Add to that the world is now a noisier place - traffic, | | | | involving movement, either of the person concerned |
| television and aircraft noise pollution being some of | | | | or other objects - vehicles in particular - good hearing |
| the major culprits - and hearing loss becomes an | | | | almost equals good sight in promoting personal safety |
| even more acute issue. In fact, its been estimated | | | | and some would argue that it's even more essential. |
| that in twenty years time no less than one in five | | | | People who can hear properly are more confident in |
| people in the Western World could have hearing | | | | their surroundings and in the way they move and |
| problems. | | | | interact with others - so why the resistance to aids |
| Although not directly related to lack of mobility, | | | | to hearing? |
| hearing impairment can affect a person's confidence | | | | Maybe it has something to do with that big plastic |
| when performing a simple action such as crossing the | | | | box with the twisty wire leading to a highly visible |
| road. After all, if you can't hear that car coming . . . | | | | earpiece that you Grandma wore. You remember? |
| Hearing loss is usually a very gradual process but its | | | | They always used to whistle like an express train and |
| effects can be significant on the level of sheer quality | | | | were highly visible. Well, forget them. With new digital |
| of life. The sufferer suddenly realises that they can't | | | | models, it's like comparing a wind-up gramophone |
| hear the birds singing anymore, music doesn't sound | | | | with a modern MP3 player. Modern hearing aids fit |
| right and they are always saying 'what?' when talking | | | | discreetly within the ear, some even within the ear |
| to people. The truth is that their hearing has been | | | | canal itself. Unless you tell people that you are |
| getting poorer for years - it's usually just one major | | | | wearing one, the chances are that they will never |
| event that makes them realise that they have a | | | | know! |
| problem. | | | | As with any decision that may have an effect on |
| Another problem associated with hearing loss is a | | | | your well-being and health, it's always advisable to |
| social one. While most people accept that they may | | | | consult a physician before deciding on a course of |
| someday need spectacles or contact lenses to see | | | | action. Also, prices for modern hearing aids vary |
| more clearly - after all, eye problems occur at any | | | | widely, so be sure to do some research before |
| age - many shy away from the fact that they may | | | | making a purchase. Whatever the price - if crystal |
| need a hearing aid. It's because hearing aids are | | | | clear hearing is the result, it's money well spent. |
| associated with old, infirm people and by wearing one | | | | |