Give the gift of hearing this Mother’s Day by taking your mum to get a hearing screening - and get one yourself!
One in five adults has a hearing loss and the rate increases with age, with one in three seniors experiencing a hearing loss. However, the average time between being diagnosed with a hearing loss and getting a hearing aid is seven years, which is a long time to miss parts of conversations, not hear the TV properly, or be unable to fully enjoy a family gathering.
Hearing loss affects everyone in the family
Hearing loss affects every member of the family, not just the person who suffers from it. Communication becomes a problem and frustrations creep in. Family members may feel that the person with hearing loss is in denial, or just ignoring the impact of the hearing loss.
Hearing loss and depression link
Researchers from the US National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) found a link between hearing loss and an increased risk of depression. The scientists examined data for 18,000 people and found that a decline in hearing more than doubled the risk for depression when compared with those who said they had excellent hearing.
Women ages 70 and older were particularly susceptible to depression, with even a moderate hearing loss of 35 to 50decibels. And when every level of hearing loss was considered, 14.7% of women of all ages were more likely to feel sad and depressed, compared with 9% of men with any degree hearing loss. The link between depression and hearing loss remained even when the researchers controlled for factors such as vision problems.
The study underscores the importance of getting your hearing checked and treated, and of getting treated for depression as well in the event of a diagnosed hearing loss.
How to encourage mum to go
People are more likely to go for a hearing screening – which is free at Audiology Medical Services many clinics nationwide - if they know that their hearing loss is affecting others. So, it’s important to find time for a quiet one-on-one conversation with your mother about her hearing loss. You can let her know how much you miss seeing her fully enjoy family gatherings and talk about the increased quality of life that comes from identifying and treating hearing loss.
Hearing screenings at Audiology Medical Services are conducted by certified clinical experts in medical centres and hospitals nationwide. Your mum is in safe hands and will be made to feel welcome and comfortable at all times.
Go with her!
Attending the appointment with your mother will allow you to understand the issues. It will also help you to become familiar with any hearing loss that is discovered and the effects it has on your mum’s ability to communicate. The hearing test will make it very clear exactly what the issues are.
Don’t leave your mum out of the conversation. Book a hearing screening for both of you, in honour of Mother’s Day. She’ll thank you, we promise!
Let us help
We recommend having your hearing checked by one of our professional clinical audiologists. Audiology Medical Services have state-of-the-art clinics nationwide, so book in today by calling 1800 501 501, or see www.audiologymedicalservices.ie
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