The National Campaign for Better Hearing has a simple message: if you think you may be suffering from hearing loss, have your ears tested. And anyone over age 60 should have a hearing test as a matter of course because statistically speaking, hearing loss comes with age.
“There are a lot of studies that link hearing loss to social anxiety, depression and cognitive decline,” said Christine Arget, a hearing instrument specialist in
Hearing instrument specialists are similar to audiologists but they have different training and only treat adults, not children.
Audiology testing is free and while early detection does not necessarily lead to prevention, it can help lessen the effects of isolation that often accompanies hearing loss. Many seniors put off having a hearing test or don’t realize they have a hearing problem. It can take some prodding.
Arget said because they couldn’t hear properly, many of her clients have said they had trouble carrying on conversations or following the events going on around them. Some had stopped going to social functions because it was just too hard.
But once they have a hearing aid, “they can communicate effortlessly with their family and friends,” Arget said. “They start to socialize again. They feel engaged. It improves their quality of life immeasurably. My job is very rewarding that way.”
As added incentive for individuals to be tested, the Campaign for Better Hearing has lined up a group of corporate sponsors for its Give Back program. For every individual who signs up for a hearing test in the calendar year, $4 will be donated by the sponsors to a fund to purchase hearing aids for those who can’t afford them.
Arget said hearing aids range between $2,000 and $8,000 and while the province offers a $500 per ear subsidy through its assistive device program, cost can still put a hearing aid out of reach for many Canadians.
Last year the campaign raised more than $250,000 and 134 individuals received hearing aids.
The goal for 2017 is $300,000. And that is raised simply by having a hearing test.
“Once you reach a certain age, it’s important to be tested,” Arget said. “Age-related hearing loss is natural, and hearing aids can help.”
There’s a form at http://campaignforbetterhearing.org/ to register for an appointment and a referral will be made to a location near you. Or you can consult a list of participating hearing centres, which can also be found on the website.
