Healthy Hearing for Fall

September 22 marks the official start of autumn. From the rustling of leaves on the ground to conversations with family and friends around the holiday table – fall is the perfect time of year to enjoy the sounds of life and to make memories with those we love.

Unfortunately hearing loss can put a damper on fall’s fun activities. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), more than 37 million American adults report having hearing difficulty and hearing loss affects one in three adults over the age of 65.

Common signs of hearing loss include:

• Trouble understanding phone conversations
• Difficulty hearing in crowded settings
• Trouble following a conversation when more than one person is speaking
• Frequently thinking people are mumbling
• Asking people to repeat themselves
• Frequent complaints from others that the TV is too loud

While hearing loss can often be prevented or treated, according to the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) most people wait an average of seven years before seeking help.

Addressing hearing loss through a treatment plan, which can include hearing aids, has been shown to reduce depression, increase participation in social activities, and improve engagement with friends and family.

Don’t let hearing loss make you miss the festive sounds of the fall season. The Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI) of Salus University will be hosting a Fall Open House on Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The free event is open to the public and will feature: complimentary hearing screenings, talks from our expert audiologists, tours of our state-of-the-art facility, information about new hearing technology, light refreshments and giveaways.

PEI offers an array of resources and services to help you hear your best, including comprehensive hearing evaluations, individualized treatment plans, custom hearing protection, amplification devices and hearing aid cleaning and repair.