For Millions with Untreated Hearing Loss, the Holiday Season Can Be Especially Difficult
HearUSA Audiologist Offers Strategies for Dealing With “Invisible Handicap”
For many of the millions of hearing impaired Americans, especially the 27 million living with untreated hearing loss, the holidays may not be all that happy, says audiologist Cindy Beyer.
Dr. Beyer, senior vice president of HearUSA (Amex:EAR), one of America’s largest hearing care and hearing aids companies, said studies have linked hearing loss to stress, frustration, and social isolation, “which can easily be intensified at holiday gatherings with families and friends, when many of those with hearing impairment may find conversations both difficult and isolating.”
“Hearing loss is often labeled ‘the invisible handicap’ because there are no outward signs of a handicap or limitation,” said Dr. Beyer. “As a result, we are unlikely to be aware that accommodations may be necessary to avoid a breakdown in communication.”