You are the generation that is still working hard to fulfill your goals and dreams. You have experience, education, along with both buying and political power. 

The effects of hearing issues

Without even realizing it, you may be putting all that at risk. That edge, that level of sophistication and strength you have spent so many years developing could be compromised. You know your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. You have your eyes tested regularly. You may have apps on your iPad and smartphone that let you know your calories in versus your calories out. But, there is one aspect of your health which you’ve been neglecting and the consequences can be profound.

It’s easier than you think

So, “what am I missing?” you ask. Your hearing! Hearing difficulties are not just your parents’ deficit, and they may be putting you at a major disadvantage right now. If you have not yet retired, its repercussions can be felt all the way from the boardroom to your living room. 

A perfectly healthy life can deteriorate significantly if you have untreated hearing loss. This will undoubtedly gnaw at your self-confidence and make you appear much older than you actually are.

"A perfectly healthy life can deteriorate significantly if you have untreated hearing loss. This will undoubtedly gnaw at your self-confidence and make you appear much older than you actually are."

Research shows untreated hearing loss can cause depression, isolation, and has even been linked to dementia. Furthermore, as this loss deteriorates your brain becomes accustomed to its new decreased level of function and the change can be permanent. This, like many health challenges today, can be easily managed. The first step is in the knowing. An annual hearing test is a preventative, smart and savvy way to care for yourself and your loved ones.

Think of those around you

You have no issue wearing eye glasses to correct your vision loss. So what’s the big deal with hearing aids? As we get older, our hair changes color, our eyes weaken, and our hearing lessens. This is a fact and a normal process of life. 

You can ignore the hearing loss, risk your relationships, risk your performance at work and continue to struggle in conversations, or, you can do something about it! Modern day hearing aids are comfortable, practically invisible, sound clear and are affordable. Don’t let such a tiny little device keep you from being the successful and outgoing person that you are. It is simply not worth the risk.

Make no mistake here, your loved ones suffer immensely too. They end up in the centre of your deterioration, becoming increasingly annoyed with the loud assault of the television volume and the incessant need to repeat themselves. 

Often times, they are the first people to suspect a hearing loss. They notice that you aren’t hearing as well as you used to, laughing at the wrong jokes or struggling to stay tuned into conversations. They feel terrible watching you miss out and don’t understand why you won’t just have your hearing tested. 

Baby boomers have been one of the highest goal oriented, research-driven, and knowledge-seeking groups in history. Allowing hearing loss to grab hold of you is akin to taking your place in a rocking chair on the front porch. It’s a risk you can simply avoid. Keep what you have earned, stay as healthy as you can and include an annual hearing test to your health regime.