An estimated 28 million people in the United States suffer from some degree of hearing impairment. And as America’s population ages, hearing loss is becoming more prevalent. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, hearing impairment is the third most common problem affecting the baby boom generation.

The good news is that most hearing losses can be effectively treated with digital amplification. But because the onset of hearing loss tends to be gradual, the key to effective treatment and rehabilitation is identifying a hearing loss in the early stages.

Hearing researchers believe that hearing loss in older adults is the result of two or more causes, such as exposure to loud noise, family history or the natural aging process. In most cases, damage to the microscopic hair cells (cilia) in the inner ear causes irreversible hearing loss. However, for the vast majority of individuals with nerve damage, the damaged hair cells will function again if vigorously stimulated with amplification.

Hearing loss can significantly reduce the quality of life that people work so hard to achieve. It can restrict and inhibit a person’s ability to interact with others, prevent them from hearing vital information, cause misunderstandings, heighten stress, increase fatigue, and may even shorten life expectancy.

Early identification plays a vital role in limiting the adverse effects of hearing loss. It begins with a simple hearing evaluation and words of encouragement from family and friends.

If you’ve had questions about your hearing, it’s probably time to have it evaluated. In some cases, the problem may be accumulated earwax blocking the ear canal and a quick removal of wax is all that’s required. In other cases, your All American Hearing professional may recommend a hearing instrument to correct the problem.