New Study Reveals Hearing Loss Significantly Impacting
Work, Home Life for Baby Boomers - Part 2
Editor: Here's some information about a study done by the EAR
Foundation and Clarity. Their main findings are that hearing loss is much
more prevalent among boomers than previously thought, and that most
boomers who have hearing loss aren't doing much about it. <sigh>
This is part two of two parts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Part One
Hearing at Home and Social Situations
The survey also reveals that hearing loss is significantly impacting
Baby Boomers at home. Two-thirds said they have some trouble hearing the
television. Meanwhile, most (75%) said they find themselves in situations
where people are not speaking loudly enough or clearly enough or where the
TV is not loud/clear enough for them.
"People with a hearing loss often isolate themselves," said
Wyatt. "Watching TV with others in the room and social gatherings are
situations that they avoid, because it can be very exhausting and arduous.
Isolating yourself from others is not the answer. We hope the results of
this survey will compel more individuals to visit their doctor's office
and have their hearing checked."
Cell Phone Use
For people with a hearing loss, cell phones are also problematic. The
survey reports over one-half (57%) of Boomers with cell phones said they
have trouble using the phone because of their hearing loss. While many
people without a hearing loss have trouble with networks and background
noise, the survey reports that 30% of those with a hearing loss said the
problem is mostly their hearing.
"Cell phone technology has vastly improved in recent years, yet
these advancements largely involve added features like cameras or MP3
players," said Trads. "The actual sound quality of a cell phone
still lags behind. This creates significant problems for someone with a
hearing loss who already has difficulty with telephone conversations and
then must deal with poor reception and sound quality on a cell
phone."
40% of those who have problems hearing on cell phones said they would
probably use their cell phone more often if they could hear conversations
more clearly when using it.
Seeking Solutions
The survey indicates that Baby Boomers are aware of solutions that can
help improve hearing. 97% are aware of hearing aids, while 73% are aware
of amplified telephones. However, most of these individuals are not
acquiring these solutions.
"Technology has dramatically changed the landscape for people with
a hearing loss," said Trads. "From hearing aids to cell phone
amplifiers to TV listening devices to traditional amplified telephones,
the list of solutions goes on. Family members and friends should help
their loved ones by having them visit hearing health professionals, such
as audiologists, who can then point them in the right direction."
The research was conducted by an independent research company, Prince
Market Research, a member of the Council of American Survey Research
Organizations. The research methodology was designed to ensure that the
results are accurate within a margin of error of plus or minus 5% at a 95%
confidence level. To access the full report, visit:
www.clarityproducts.com/boomer.
About The EAR Foundation
The EAR (Education and Auditory Research) Foundation was established by
Dr. Michael E. Glasscock III in 1971. This association of physicians,
educators and concerned citizens exists for three basic purposes:
* To provide the general public support services that promote integrating
people with hearing and balance impairments into mainstream society;
* To provide practicing hearing specialists with continuing medical
education courses and related programs specifically addressing
rehabilitation and hearing preservation; and
* To educate young people and adults about hearing preservation and early
detection of hearing loss, enabling them to prevent hearing and balance
disorders at an early age.
The mission of the organization is to provide information and resources to
people of every age who are hearing impaired. For more information on The
EAR Foundation, visit www.earfoundation.org.
About Clarity
Clarity(r), a Division of Plantronics Inc. (NYSE:PLT), is a leading
supplier of amplified telephones, notification systems, assistive
listening devices and other communications devices for the hearing loss
and deaf markets. A leader in sound amplification, Clarity's patented
technologies, Clarity(r) Power(tm) and Digital Clarity Power(tm), provide
customized solutions for customers who otherwise could not communicate
easily and effectively with the outside world. As more people begin to
address their hearing needs, Clarity will continue to provide effective
technologies that are simple and easy to use. The company began in 1969 as
a telecommunications manufacturer, and was acquired in 1986 by Plantronics,
Inc., a leading provider of headsets to business and individual consumers
worldwide. For more information about Clarity and its products, please
call 1-800-426-3738 or visit www.clarityproducts.com.
About Plantronics(r)
In 1969, a Plantronics headset carried the historic first words from
the moon: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for
mankind." Since then, Plantronics has become the headset of choice
for mission-critical applications such as air traffic control, 911
dispatch, and the New York Stock Exchange. Today, this history of Sound
Innovation(tm) is the basis for every product we build for the office,
contact center, personal mobile, entertainment and residential markets.
The Plantronics family of brands includes Plantronics, Altec Lansing,
Clarity, and Volume Logic. For more information, go to www.plantronics.com
or call (800) 544-4660.
Altec Lansing, Amplifying Your Life, Clarity, Clarity Power, Digital
Clarity Power, the logo design, Plantronics, Sound Innovation, and Volume
Logic are trademarks or registered trademarks of Plantronics, Inc. All
other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
