Hear Better for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is fast approaching and a result, so is the time for holiday gatherings with both family and friends. But as these gatherings occur, for some individuals, hearing loss can put a damper on the festive activities of the season. Hearing loss affects one in three adults over the age of 65.

Some degree of hearing loss can occur naturally as we age but other factors can also play a role including:

• Exposure to loud noise
• Impacted earwax
• Chronic ear infections
• Certain medications

Hearing loss can have a negative impact on a person’s mental and social well-being. A study conducted by the National Council on Aging found people with untreated hearing loss were more likely to report depression, anxiety, and paranoia, and were also found to be less social.

Hearing impairment usually develops gradually and unfortunately many people aren’t even aware they have a problem until it has advanced. However just like annual eye exams, routine hearing exams are an excellent first line of defense. According to the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, the average person waits seven years before seeking treatment for their hearing loss but early detection increases the odds of successful treatment.

Just in time for the holiday season, the Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI) wants to give the gift of hearing to as many people as possible. Through the “Hear for the Holidays” campaign, anyone who comes in for a hearing evaluation or hearing aid consultation before Thanksgiving will receive a 10 percent discount on their hearing aid purchase.

PEI offers an array of resources and services to help people with hearing loss, including comprehensive hearing evaluations, individualized treatment plans, hearing protection, amplification devices as well as hearing aid cleaning and repair.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for the “Hear for the Holidays” campaign, please call 215.277.2315.