50+ Lifestyles

Baby Boomers and Hearing Loss

By Dr. Molly Parker
Audiologist and Owner
Parker Audiology, P.C.
& Dr. Alison Soto
Audiologist
Parker Audiology, P.C.

A person who was born between 1946 and 1964 is considered to be part of the Baby Boomer generation. The media has portrayed the Baby Boomer Generation in many lights. More and more of this population is experiencing hearing loss, most often caused by exposure to excessive noise. It is estimated that at least 15 percent of Baby Boomers already have hearing loss. Hearing loss cuts off connection to others in the work place, to families and at church. This is very different compared to previous generations, who typically did not show symptoms of hearing loss until they were in their 70s and 80s. The parents of the Baby Boomers wore hearing aids that only made sounds louder, but not necessarily clearer. Thus many people did not benefit greatly from these hearing aids. Today’s hearing aids are vastly improved compared to “grandpa’s hearing aids.” A 2011 survey sponsored by AARP and the American Speech and Hearing Association found that 82 percent of Americans older than 50 who have hearing aids are happy with them, and 73 percent say their quality of life has improved since they started wearing their aids.

Today’s hearing aids are sophisticated little computers that are programmed to match the patient’s unique hearing loss and hearing needs. The instruments provide amplification to the patient’s activity level, while cutting down or “squelching” distracting background noise. Different settings can also be activated to provide choices in even more challenging environments. Directional microphones remove the noise behind the person while they amplify the sounds in front. There are hearing aids that work with an app in the iPhone. This app allows you to change the settings in the aid. For example, you go to your favorite restaurant and make adjustments so you can hear perfectly in that environment. The app can store the hearing aid settings for that environment, so that the next time you go back to that restaurant, the aids will go back to those perfect settings. It will even remember where you were, so you don’t have to make changes the next time you enter the same restaurant! Additionally, you can use your iPhone and listen to the other person while it streams through both hearing aids. If you don’t have an IPhone, don’t fret! There are many other features and technologies that can provide you with other types of benefits as well. Hearing aids come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, while providing the user with superb sound quality. Call your Audiologist today to discuss your lifestyle and hearing needs.

Please RSVP by calling (563) 326-5441 to attend our lecture series at CASI at 10 a.m. on November 13, 2014.

Dr. Alison Soto will discuss the latest hearing aid technology and answer your specific questions on how to hear better. Prizes will be available.

Parker Audiology, PC helps those of all ages and types of hearing loss. Dr. Alison Soto and Molly Parker share a personal interest in your successful outcome. Call for an appointment today.