The Connection Warren-Watchung Edition Dec 2018/Jan 2019

convenient care, right at home. Fellowship Village Helping Hands Home Care brings you the care you need, right to your home. Our certified home health aides can help in so many ways. From medication management and transportation, to assistance with bathing and dressing. Our certified home health aides are available for hourly or live-in assistance. Even if it’s just a little help with light housekeeping and laundry, it may be all you need to keep living well — in your own home. 8000 Fellowship Road | Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 908-428-4246 Explore our new website! FellowshipSeniorLiving.org MIRACLE EAR 495 Watchung Avenue, Watchung NJ 07069 miracle-ear-watchung.com 908-561-1247 Dorothy J. Fry, BC-HIS Audioprosthologist NJ License #865 The causes of hearing loss are var- ied: genetics, environment, injury, infection and sometimes simple wax build-up. The results can be frustrating. There are two basic types of hearing loss: conductive and sensorineural. Conductive loss involves the structure of the outer and middle ear. Excessive wax build-up, ear infection or damage pre- vent the transmission of sound vibra- tions. This condition is normally correct- ed by medical treatment or surgery. In the case of Sensorineural, also referred to as “nerve deafness,” the inner ear nerve endings stop process- ing sound waves effectively. Sensorineural is the most common type of hearing loss, often caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise, genetics, medications and the inevitable aging process. A loss of this nature can generally be greatly improved with hearing aid amplification. The Signs of Hearing Loss The indications of hearing loss are unique for everyone. Most people who begin to question the quality of their hearing share certain common symp- toms. Typical clues include: • Particular words or portions of words are difficult for you to understand. • You request others to repeat themselves too frequently. • Phone calls are hard for you to fully understand. • You’ve turned the TV or radio up to levels that annoy others. • You have difficulty hearing clearly in noisy environments. Hearing loss can be slow and subtle. It can also slowly and subtly isolate you from people you love to be with and things you love to do. Hearing loss can impact work performance, personal relationships, social interaction and your confidence. Untreated hearing loss may even lead to isolation and depression. It doesn’t have to be that way. Hearing Loss is Common Too many Americans allow hearing loss to take away more than sounds. Over 36 million Americans experience some sort of measurable hearing loss. This includes one out of four people over the age of 55. Despite this figure, only a small percentage have taken the positive step of getting hearing help. No hearing can completely restore natural hearing, but hearing aids can restore the natural interactions, activi- ties and joys in your life. Hear the Good News Hearing loss is the quiet thief of self- confidence and the simple pleasure of communication. Hearing loss is the slow disabler of lives and relationships. Hearing loss gets away with far more damage than it ever should. Helen Keller once said, “Vision con- nects you to things, but Hearing con- nects you to PEOPLE.” Don’t allow a hearing loss to impact your connec- tions with family and friends. Take the first step and make an appointment to have your hearing evaluated. You’ll be glad you did! THE ORIGINS OF HEARING LOSS PAGE 84 Spotlight on “SeniorS” www.theconnectionsnj.com