Last week, President Biden released a Presidential Action that declared September 11 as National Grandparents Day. The President and families across America celebrated the important role that grandparents play in their communities and families. Strong bonds between a grandparent and grandchild can benefit the child with emotional support, encouragement, friendship, and mentorship. The grandparent can also benefit by having the opportunity to stay active with their grandchild, reduce the risk of social isolation, and potentially keep the grandparent mentally sharp.
The basis of this relationship is communication. Telling stories, sharing history, and passing along family memories is a special part of the grandparent/ grandchild bond. If there is a barrier to communication such as hearing loss, many important experiences together can be lost.
Around 1 in 3 people between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing loss, and half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. Do you or someone in your family, perhaps a grandparent, fit into these age ranges? If so, take a moment to reflect on the signs of hearing loss, including how you (or your loved one) has been able to hear in conversations and during daily activities. Some signs of hearing loss include the following:
It’s important to act on hearing loss as soon as it’s noticed. Treating hearing loss can lead to better quality of life, overall wellbeing, and help you and your loved ones stay engaged with the world and people around you. If you have questions about hearing health or would like to have a simple and easy hearing test conducted, speak to a local hearing professional today. Stay sharp and vital, and remain fully tuned-in to each phase of a grandchild’s life.
The Hearing Industries Association is the trusted voice on hearing health care for product innovation, public policy, patient safety and education.
