October is National Audiology Awareness Month in Canada. Did you know that more than one million adults in Canada have reported having a hearing-related disability? Changes to your hearing can happen gradually and can be tough to notice at first, but can have negative effects on your quality of life.

With hearing loss that goes unmanaged or untreated, people can become isolated or introverted, avoiding social situations and activities that they previously found enjoyable. Other indications that a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss include:

• Listening to television programs or the radio at high volumes
• Trouble keeping up with conversation or avoiding conversation
• Declining invitations to social events
• Poor performance at work, making unusual errors
• Turning their head to face their ear toward a person speaking, or leaning in unusually close

Older adults experiencing hearing loss are at a higher risk of other complications, such as cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and generalized dementia. Hearing loss can also lead to a greater risk of injury and falls.

9 in 10 people who experience hearing loss can improve their quality of life and ability to communicate with a properly fitted hearing aid and help from an audiology professional. At Beyond Vision in Edmonton, we provide personalized, professional advice and hearing tests. Our hearing tests are free for those 65 years of age and older.

We will work to ensure your hearing aid fits you and your lifestyle and if you experience any complications or discomfort, our friendly staff is here to help. We carry a wide range of hearing aids at our Edmonton locations. Booking a hearing test with Beyond Vision is easy – just click here to get started.