Paris, Tenn.—Hearing Aid Specialist Megan Alford with the Audiology & Hearing Clinic in Paris, presented program on hearing loss at the recent Paris Quota meeting.
The average age that people begin experiencing hearing loss is now 40, down from 65 a few years ago, she said. Loud music is believed to be one of the primary culprits of this fact and is likely to lead to a further lowering of that age.
Alford said everyone should get a free hearing test every year, beginning at age 65, to get a baseline reading. Hearing aids made today can be Bluetooth compatible, making it useable by cell phone and tv. Unfortunately, hearing aids are not covered by Medicare, as they are considered to be cosmetic.
Hearing loss can lead to depression, isolation and a feeling of self-consciousness. Several factors that can lead to hearing loss include Tylenol/ibuprofen, diabetes, heart disease, breast cancer drugs, rheumatoid arthritis, anemia and osteoporosis. Studies are ongoing to determine whether pregnancy and/or menopause may lead to hearing loss. Hearing aids will not help with hearing loss that is caused by nerve damage.
Oftentimes, only 60% of hearing can be retained and lip reading can help that person. Tote bags with handy items were handed out to those in attendance.
The vote to accept or not the Dissolution of Quota International, Inc. will be at the March 11th meeting. Members who are not in attendance at that meeting will be contacted by phone. Each club has one vote.