Have you ever tried to envision living in a world without sound? — Unable to hear the morning birdsong or the voice of your loved ones. In reality, many individuals exist in such a silent realm, navigating through life without the gift of sound.
According to the World Health Organization, currently, only 17% of individuals with hearing impairment use hearing aids. Most are reluctant due to fear of being stigmatized and the frequent occurrence of device noise, causing inconvenience to users. For those with hearing loss, communication challenges hinder career choices. Many find themselves limited to one-way communication, leading them to reluctantly engage in lower-tier employment opportunities.
In a silent world where phrases like 'hard of hearing,' 'communication difficulties,' 'ten deaf to nine mute,' 'disability,' 'obstacle,' 'impossible' echo, those in the soundless realm have faced numerous restrictions imposed by reality. Society has affixed too many labels onto individuals with hearing impairment, hindering their rightful access to a broader spectrum of life possibilities.
People with hearing disabilities may face challenges in their communication and participation in society. However, with the use of appropriate technologies and strategies, many people with hearing disabilities can lead full lives and actively participate in their environment.
It is important to highlight the importance of inclusion and accessibility for people with hearing disabilities. This involves providing resources that allow people with hearing disabilities to access information and communicate effectively.
What is defined as a hearing disability?
Typically, sound waves travel through the outer ear until they reach the eardrum or tympanic membrane, initiating its vibrations and setting the chain of ossicles (hammer, incus, and stapes) in motion. These minute bones transfer energy to the inner ear, where the fluids within start to move, prompting the hair cells (of the snail) to convert these vibrations into electrical impulses. These impulses are then transmitted through auditory nerve fibers to the brain.
A hearing disability is identified as quantitative alterations in the accurate perception of hearing, stemming from disruptions in the aforementioned system.
Living with hearing loss can impact both your social interactions and professional life. The repercussions may extend to your career, limiting job opportunities due to the challenges posed by hearing impairment. Communication becomes a hurdle with colleagues and clients, leading to a loss of self-confidence and eventual isolation from friends and loved ones. Difficulty keeping up with conversations and the reluctance to repeatedly ask questions can contribute to embarrassment. Ultimately, these factors may lead to feelings of depression and frustration.
Transform Your Hearing Loss into a Hearing Victory
Over 50 million Americans currently experience hearing loss, and this number is anticipated to double by 2030. It's crucial to take proactive steps to address your hearing health. Hearing aids could be the key solution you seek to gain clearer hearing, potentially reconnecting you to the people and moments that hold significant value in your life.
While using your hearing aid(s), do you or your loved one...
Struggle to hear clearly on the telephone?
Face challenges understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments?
Often find yourself asking others to repeat what they've said?
Contribute to overall improvement in various areas.
If you encounter these challenges regularly, undergoing a hearing test is a proactive step. Scheduling a complimentary consultation with a specialist and seeking appropriate assistance can prevent further deterioration of your hearing impairment. The use of hearing aids can restore the quality of life you once enjoyed.
ELEHEAR aims to assist individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss in leading dignified lives and promoting social inclusion between the hearing-impaired and the wider community.
Besides hearing aids, we also need to fight for it.
For individuals with hearing impairments in your circle, we need to support:
We accompany and assist families throughout their caregiving journey for loved ones with disabilities.
We need comprehensive information to families, addressing all aspects related to disability and resolving any questions they may have.
We handle the administrative procedures and processes necessary for addressing issues related to their children's disabilities
And there are more:
Enhance cognitive abilities.
Boost self-esteem.
Provide a sense of security.
Foster stronger relationships.
Preserve cognitive abilities.
Enhance the patient's cognitive performance.
Improve functional capabilities.
Embarking on the path to improved hearing is a journey well worth taking. Don't delay – now is the moment to reconnect with what holds the utmost importance.