Julie Raney is a certified and licensed audiologist. She has a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master’s Degree in Audiology from Idaho State University. She has worked as a clinical audiologist in Colorado since 2005. She specializes in hearing amplification for adults and delivers her services in both English and Sign Language.

American Speech Language Hearing Association

May is Better Speech and Hearing Month! Every year since 1927, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has used the month of May to raise awareness around speech and communication disorders. The theme for 2019 is “Communication Across the Lifespan” and you can learn more about BHSM and access resources at http://www.asha.org/bhsm/. Doctors, audiologists, and speech-language specialists know that living with untreated hearing loss, or any communication disorder, leads to a lot of negative health outcomes, and this year they’re encouraging you to do something about it.

Hearing Loss and Relationships

It’s no secret that successful relationships, whether with your spouse, children, or friends, take a bit of work and a lot of communication. When you’re struggling with hearing loss, you’ll lose your ability to communicate easily, and this will be a huge blow to your entire family. Your loved ones used to come to you for advice, or to share stories about their lives, but as your hearing deteriorates, it becomes more and more difficult to share these special moments. You might mishear what’s been said, or answer a question inappropriately, and everyone gets tired of repeating themselves when you ask over and over what they’ve said. When communication breaks down, relationships suffer, and you’ll lose the closeness you value the most. Those living with untreated hearing loss often find themselves socially isolated and lonely, and spend far more time at home than their hearing peers.

Treating hearing loss will give you a whole new lease on life, and you’ll be able to strengthen all the relationships you value. When you can hear clearly, you’ll be able to communicate easily, enjoy bantering with your friends, and having deep and meaningful conversations with your spouse. You’ll have an improved quality of life, and experience the joy of communication.

Hearing Loss and Mental Health

If you’ve been living with hearing loss, you’ve noticed that straining to hear has taken a toll on your mental health. Your brain is tired from constantly straining to hear, and you’re worried that you can’t communicate with your loved ones. You draw away from social situations, and choose to stay at home rather than face your friends when you’re not able to communicate with them. This isolation leads to increased levels of stress and anxiety, and those with hearing loss are far more likely to struggle with depression and have a reduced quality of life.

Treating hearing loss will improve your mood, take the strain off your brain, and give you back the energy to focus on what really matters, all while enjoying a higher quality of life.

Hearing Loss and Your Job

Are you in the workforce? If you have hearing loss and you go to work every day, you know that you need to hear in order to do your job well. With hearing loss, you might mishear instructions, look like a fool during a meeting, or even put your life at risk when you don’t hear a warning bell or shout. Those with hearing loss are likely to be overlooked for promotions, relegated to less important tasks at work, or even lose their job.

Treating hearing loss will give you back your job security, and you’ll continue to be a valued member of the team, adding insight in meetings and leading projects. You might think that your coworkers will look down on you if you have a hearing aid, but rather than noticing the sleek device tucked behind your ear, or resting inside your ear canal, the only thing they’ll be noticing is how good your hearing is.

New Leaf Hearing Clinic

This May, do the right thing for your health, and visit us today at New Leaf Hearing Clinic for a hearing test. Join us in taking the first step in getting back to doing the things you love. We’ll help you find the perfect device to match your hearing needs, and we’ll celebrate Better Speech and Hearing Month together.