This new year 2021 started where 2020 left off, hoping that this year is not the evil twin of last year. Governments all over the world are advising to wear masks, hand wash, stay at home and social distance. Retail and the hospitality industries are the hardest hit economically with shorter hours of operations or closures for an indefinite period of time. Vaccines are being created and administrated as a kind of hope against this relentless virus. In the meantime, world citizens have to keep calm and keep safe by obeying government regulations.
One such regulation is to social distance, but for a person who is hard of hearing, social distancing could also mean social isolation. According to a report from the American Speech and Language Hearing Association (ASHA), “hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic health condition facing older adults”. Most people delay getting tested and therefore can fall prey to the side effects associated with untreated hearing loss, such as depression, anxiety, dementia, heart disease, mental fatigue and social isolation, to name a few.
The outlook for hard of hearing individuals seems bleak, but getting a hearing test is important. Hearing clinics are considered as essential services and are open with safety protocols for disinfecting and cleaning in place. For more convenience and accessibility, the hearing industry has also embraced tele support via virtual consultations.
Hearing clinics are still alive and well, ready to help those who need hearing services. For more information contact the local hearing clinic.
jemfinds - Hello World 2.0 