By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist May is Better Hearing
and Speech Month. Hearing loss is a problem that affects
millions of Americans. Nearly half of all baby boomers in the
United States suffer from some degree of hearing loss, but few
are doing anything about it. Unlike other age-related health
problems, such as vision loss, hearing loss is unique in that it
often goes untreated for years. Of the baby boomers with hearing
loss, only 26 percent are using some form of assistive hearing
device, a study by the Ear Foundation and Clarity, supplier of
communication devices, such as amplified telephones, shows. If
you notice a change in your hearing, contact your doctor. Your
doctor can refer you to an ENT (otolaryngologist) or
audiologist. Also, get hearing checkups if you’re exposed to
loud noises regularly, for example, if you listen to loud music
or work at a factory. Carsten Trands, president of Clarity,
offers this list of changes that can be made to how people
communicate that will improve conversati