More than one in 10 Americans suffer from some form of hearing loss. Although generally associated with aging, hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors including exposure to noise, illness and infections, alcohol, smoking – even some medicines.

Because the loss is gradual, many never realize they are missing out on the sounds around them. But once hearing loss is detected, it’s important to act – the sooner the intervention, the greater the chances for success. By continuing to stimulate the brain with sound messages, the ability to understand sounds and words is preserved.

Since hearing loss is gradual, it takes time and patience to adjust to wearing hearing aids. The brain must relearn how to listen, a process that can take time. But with the incentive of once again hearing the sounds of life, the results are worth it.