Page 15 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2017 - Online Magazine

by Gayle
Untreated Hearing Loss May Have Detrimental Effects (Wampler) Willson

Once upon a time a very sweet lady knew she was struggling with understanding the conversations of family and
friends. She became frustrated when attending church and family gatherings, because she simply could not understand
what the conversations were about. She began to stay at home, alone. Her family would tell her about the fun time and
how she was missed. She chose to stay at home from church, while her friends had fellowship and a
meal together after church. She began to think no one cared about her. She became more and
more withdrawn.
Suddenly—her fairy godmother appeared to her, and told her in a kind loving way,
how important it is that she have her hearing checked, to see if it might help. But, sadly,
she ignored her. Shortly after that, a group of seven little men appeared, dwarfs, I believe,
and they presented to her a coupon, “Free Hearing Screening”, but she said “No!”. She
continued in seclusion. After all, hearing aids are expensive, and overpriced.
A couple of days later an odd man came to her in her yard, named Jed. He was a poor
mountaineer, barely kept his family fed, but then while he was shooting at some food, he
struck oil, and now wants to PAY for her a brand new set of hearing aids. Long story short,
she now wears 2 hearing aids, uses blue tooth for her cell phone and TV and no longer
lives in seclusion. As for Jed, he has worn hearing aids ever since he moved from
the hills to Californy.
Untreated hearing loss is becoming more common, as baby boomers begin
to notice the effects of loud music from their youth; cars with loud engines,
yard equipment, and gunfire also contribute to the eventual loss of hearing.
When it goes untreated, we see those individuals become isolated. Feelings
of inadequacy set in, and many times depression is diagnosed.
Evidence of decreased reasoning abilities and cognition is often observed.
When hearing loss goes untreated, more energy is
required from the brain. Actual studies using an
MRI show that brain capacity can begin to shrink
in size. Frank Lin, M.D., PhD, Johns Hopkins
Medical, quoted, “Hearing loss should not be
an inconsequential part of aging because it may
come with some serious long term consequences
to healthy brain function”. 1
But we have not given you the happily ever
after to this fairy tale…..
Treating hearing loss has been proven, through
research and in real life situations, to assist in
maintaining mental sharpness and brain function.
Treatment frequently replaces withdrawal
and depression with optimism, and doubt and
concern with confidence. Patients will notice
relationships improve and begin to participate in
group activities again.
Hearing devices alone are not the complete
answer. It takes time with your hearing health
professional to get them adjusted and best
functioning for your lifestyle. We have a staff at
Grand Hearing Center who have been serving
the South Plains area for 41 years. We are willing
to work with you to achieve the best possible
solution. Gayle Willson, BC-HIS (Board Certified
in Hearing Instrument Sciences), Blair Willson
(licensed) and Polly Wampler, also licensed, and
practicing in this area for 41 years are all proud
of the “Wampler Legacy” and want you to know:
You are our priority. We care about your
hearing needs.

1 Sound Thinking, Starkey, Jan 31, 2017
Lubbock Senior Link 15