Baby Boomers - The Next Generation:

The Next Generation:

The Baby Boomer generation is one different than the previous generation.

They:
1) Living active lifestyles
2) Work longer
3) Retire later and remain active in retirement.
4) Are interested in their health.
5) are willing to utilize health products.

According to a recent study done by Clarity & The Ear Foundation 2006, The Hearing Loss Study, half of the baby boomers report some hearing loss. Even a mild hearing loss can pose problems in the workplace and/or activities.

Hearing loss isn't just about not being able to hear a certain sound or someone talking, it's also about the inability to understand what is said in speech. Many report that they hear what people are saying, but complain that the person "mumbles" or "needs to speak louder".

Here are some hearing loss facts:

~ Hearing loss is the second most common complaint of older adults.

~ Contributes to social isolation, depression, low self-esteem, and dementia.

~ Only about 10% of hearing losses are helped by surgery or medical treatment.

~ 90% of hearing losses can be treated successfully with hearing aids.

~ Noise above 80 decibels (dB) on-average over an 8 hour workday is considered hazardous to the hearing.

~ Firearms, music, airplanes, lawnmowers, power tools and many appliances are louder than 80dB and are potentially hazardous to the hearing with prolonged exposure.

~ After the age of 40 the auditory (hearing) systems starts to slow down. People with "normal" hearing can show signs of hearing loss when the auditory systems has aged.

~ An asymetrical (one-sided) or sudden hearing loss must be evaluated immediately.

~ Adults over the age of 40 should have an annual hearing test.