“You are not alone!”  According to surveys taken by the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) and the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA), one in ten Americans has a hearing loss.  The number is expected to double by 2030 as the baby boomers reach retirement age.  Hearing loss, typically thought to affect the elderly only, can occur in any age group.  The new federal mandate for newborn hearing screening has identified profound hearing loss in approximately 1 in every 1,000 live births and partial hearing loss in approximately every 2-3 in every 1,000 non-high risk newborns, making hearing loss the number one birth defect in America.

 Signs of Hearing Loss

If you think someone you love might have a hearing loss, take a look at this list of common signs. Do any of the following sound familiar?

• They appear to hear people talk but have difficulty understanding some of the words

• They’re constantly asking people to repeat themselves

• They have a hard time understanding women and children’s voices

• They have a hard time understanding in a crowd

• It’s hard for them to understand on the phone

• They favor one ear over the other

• They complain of a ringing sensation in one or both ears

• They often appear uncomfortable in social occasions they used to enjoy

• They seem withdrawn, depressed or irritable

• Other friends or family members have noticed their difficulty hearing

While a few “yes” answers don’t automatically indicate a hearing loss, it does suggest the need for further evaluation.  To set up an appointment, call (301) 468-0551 or email Dr. Lundquist at mlundquist@verizon.net. Medicare, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, United Health Care and Mamsi - MDIPA, Optimum Choice, Mamsi Life & Alliance insurances are all accepted.