If a loved one struggles to hear

While crowded spaces at get-togethers may make the season bright, for someone with hearing loss the increased background noise could make them dread going or even avoid them altogether.

We find that background noise is the number one complaint for our patients. As soon as complicated sounds build, it’s difficult to filter out the sound of someone speaking.

The ability to communicate is foundational to human nature. We are made to interact with each other.

If you’re at parties this year, reconnecting with loved ones you may not have seen in a while, be on the lookout for signs of hearing loss. Someone may distance themselves from others or seem disengaged to conversations.

We recommend you get their attention first before speaking, stay in face-to-face contact, and make sure the lighting is good, as they may be reading your lips or picking up visual cues.

One of the biggest downsides to hearing loss is that it happens so gradually, often over the course of years, and people don’t realize it’s happened. And loss takes a toll with a cascade of negative effects, ranging from more ER visits, greater risk of falls, incidence of dementia and cognitive decline. The sooner it’s detected the better the outcomes. We can test and assess and, if needed, fit someone for hearing aids in time for the new year.

Amanda’s Family Hearing is located at 1701 Mentor Avenue, Suite 5, in Painesville. Call 440-357-4327 or visit AmandasFamilyHearing.com for more information.