Eat Well for Healthy Hearing
You’ve probably heard the phrase “you are what you eat.” While that may not be entirely true, the foods you consume can have a positive effect on your hearing. Studies indicate foods rich in certain nutrients can help boost your hearing. In some cases, they may even help prevent or delay hearing loss.

Omega-3 fatty acids, typically found in fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines, contain anti-inflammatory properties that help strengthen the blood vessels in the inner ear, helping protect against hearing loss. Research shows that individuals who eat two or more servings of fish a week are 42 percent less likely to develop age-related hearing loss.

Antioxidants are another excellent source of protection from hearing loss, particularly folic acid. They help reduce the number of damage-causing free radicals in your body and ultimately help prevent hearing loss. Good sources of folic acid include leafy greens such as spinach and romaine lettuce, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans and nuts. Persons over the age of 50 with a folate deficiency have a 35 percent higher risk of hearing loss.

Vitamin B12 works similarly; like folic acid, it creates new red blood cells and improves
the flow of blood to the ears. Foods high in B12 include lean meats, dairy, eggs, clams,
liver and fish. Vitamin C helps boost the immune system and is plentiful in citrus fruits
and vegetables. Excellent choices include oranges, grapefruit and bell peppers. Vitamin E helps improve circulation and can be found in almonds, peanut butter and sunflower oil. Vitamin D keeps the bones and tissue in the inner ear healthy, preventing bone loss and otosclerosis; good sources are fish and milk.

Zinc is another nutrient that can help protect against age-related hearing loss. It can
be found in dark chocolate and oysters, among other foods. Magnesium may prevent
noise-induced hearing loss. Look for it in bananas, potatoes, artichokes and broccoli.
HAPPINESS FROM HEARING DEVICES
Many scientific studies in the past have confirmed the negative impacts associated with hearing loss: depression, anxiety and social isolation. There are positive impacts associated with hearing solutions, as well. A study conducted by the Better Hearing Institute (BHI) supplies overwhelming data about how much of a difference hearing devices can make.

The study surveyed more than 2,000 hearing loss patients who use devices to enhance the sense of sound. Of the sample group, 82 percent of patients indicated they would recommend hearing devices to their friends, and 70 percent reported an improved ability to communicate. The data also shows more than four out of five people who use a device to hear better are satisfied with their solution.

“This survey clearly reveals how dramatically people’s lives can improve with the use of hearing devices,” BHI Executive Director Sergei Kochkin, Ph.D. said. “In this comprehensive study of more than 2,000 hearing device users we looked at 14 specific quality-of-life issues and found today’s hearing devices are a tremendous asset to
people with even mild hearing loss.”

The study also concluded up to a third of patients saw improvements in their romance, sense of humor, mental, emotional and physical health. Further, roughly 40 percent noted improvements in their sense of safety, self-confidence, feelings about self, sense of independence and work relationships.

These results are the most significant of their kind because they show a clear potential solution to many of the draining feelings patients with hearing loss suffer. Many of the positive responses are attributed to changing technology that has led to smaller and less visible hearing devices, resulting in a decrease in the societal stigma associated with wearing devices in day-to-day life.

BHI’s Kochkin believes the first step to preserving your future enjoyment in life is to make an appointment with a hearing health professional and get your hearing checked.
Hearing Loss: Separating Facts from Fiction
Myth Exposed: The most common cause of hearing loss is advancing age.
The truth is that it is exposure to loud noise that is the number one cause of hearing loss, while only 35 percent of people with hearing loss are older than age 64. There are nearly six million people in the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 44 with hearing loss, and more than one million are school age. Hearing loss affects all age groups.

Myth Exposed: Only people with serious hearing loss need hearing devices.
The need for hearing amplification is dependent on your lifestyle, your degree of hearing loss and your need for a more sophisticated level of hearing. If you are a
teacher or a lawyer, for example, refined hearing is necessary to understand the nuances of communication. Therefore, you may not be able to tolerate even a mild
level of hearing loss.

Myth Exposed: If I had a hearing loss, my family doctor would have told me.
Incorrect, reports the Better Hearing Institute. Their studies show that only 14 percent of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss during a physical.

Myth Exposed: Hearing devices will make me look “older.”
It is not the hearing devices that make you look older, it is the fact that you cannot
hear, understand and communicate normally with others that make you look older.

Myth Exposed: Hearing devices aren’t worth the expense.
Research conducted by the Better Hearing Institute concluded that nine out of 10
people indicate that the quality of their life has improved with hearing devices.
Overall satisfaction with one-year-old hearing devices is now 78 percent, which is close
to satisfaction ratings for most consumer electronics.
You're Invited: Free Hearing Event, Oticon Opn S TM
The Family Hearing Center at TLC is pleased to announce that during the month of July we will be demonstrating the most advanced digital products in the hearing health care industry. In fact, we will be showcasing the new Oticon Opn S TM !

Our trained audiologists will be on hand for a special two-day event, July 16-17 (Tuesday-Wednesday). During this special two-day event, we will be offering the following services FREE OF CHARGE:

• Complimentary hearing screening.
• Review of medical and hearing history.
• Thorough otoscopic examination. You may just have wax in the ear!
• Demonstration of the new Oticon Opn S technology that helps you break free of restrictions and join the conversation in difficult listening environments
• Review and demonstration of the latest treatment options for ringing/noises in the ear.
• Thirty-day risk free trial of the latest technology.

Hearing involves more than just your ears. When you are experiencing a hearing impairment, your brain must work harder to fill in the missing pieces. This can negatively impact your emotional wellbeing, leading to isolation and depression. That’s why it makes sense to take care of your hearing health the same way you care about the rest of your health; there’s a lot more riding on it than just your hearing.

Please RSVP by calling (301) 637-4161. Appointments are limited, and remember, there is no cost for these services during this special event.
Summer Hearing Aid Special
Valid through Aug 31, 2019
Stay tuned for our next e-newsletter and please don’t hesitate to contact us should you need our services or have any concerns or questions. We appreciate you!
The Family Hearing Center at TLC | 2092 Gaither Rd Ste 100 Rockville, MD 20850 | 301-738-1415
www.ttlc.org