{"id":1697,"date":"2021-01-08T19:49:06","date_gmt":"2021-01-09T00:49:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/charlestonhearing.com\/?p=1697"},"modified":"2021-01-08T19:49:06","modified_gmt":"2021-01-09T00:49:06","slug":"start-2021-with-healthy-hearing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hearingsc.com\/start-2021-with-healthy-hearing\/","title":{"rendered":"Start 2021 with Healthy Hearing"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n\r\nThe New Year is a time for a fresh start. Many of us set self-improvement goals around this time of year, especially when it comes to making healthy choices. This year, we\u2019re challenging you to make 2021 the year you make positive steps to care for your hearing health.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nLeft untreated, hearing loss can lead to<\/a> social withdrawal, feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression and even dementia. To prevent these and other problems associated with hearing loss, we recommend you follow our tips below and start 2021 off right.\r\n\r\n \r\n

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment<\/h2>\r\n

\"\"<\/h2>\r\n \r\n\r\nThis first step is the most important. While an estimated 48 million Americans experience hearing loss<\/a>, only about one in five actually seek help.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMaking a phone call to schedule an appointment with an audiologist only takes about 60 seconds, but it can be life-changing. Though the task is simple, it requires the follow-through of actually going to the appointment. Talk to the scheduler to ask if you can bring a loved one with you for moral support.\r\n\r\n \r\n

Step 2: Follow Audiologist Recommendations<\/h2>\r\n \r\n\r\nLearning you have hearing loss is not enough. If your audiologist recommends hearing aids or other treatment options, make sure to heed their advice.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAt the appointment, your audiologist will take your medical and family history, then put you in a sound booth for the hearing test. The whole process takes less than an hour in most cases.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nIf your audiologist recommends hearing aids, you may have the option to try them out before you make the purchase. Keep in mind that putting on hearing aids is not the same as putting on a pair of glasses; it takes time for your ears and your brain to become reacquainted with all the sounds around you. If you have financial concerns, be sure to talk to your audiologist, as there are many options for making hearing aids affordable.\r\n\r\n \r\n

Step 3: Protect Your Hearing<\/h2>\r\n \r\n\r\nWhether you have hearing loss currently or not, it\u2019s important to take steps to protect your hearing going forward. Be sure to wear hearing protection when using power tools, attending a concert or cheering on the Southern Buccaneers<\/a>. Earplugs and earmuffs may be purchased inexpensively online or at a big box store, or your audiologist can create custom-molded earplugs for maximum comfort and protection. For more information<\/a> or to schedule an appointment, call The Hearing & Balance Center today.\r\n\r\n \r\n

Learn More About Hearing Loss<\/h2>\r\n \r\n