Add hearing test to your wellness checklist, audiologist encourages

Jillian Price says, if left untreated, hearing loss can have a big impact on overall quality of life

CITYnews halifax \ Meghan Groff

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If you’re having problems following conversations, you’re the only one hearing ringing or buzzing sounds, or family members keep asking you to turn down the TV, it may be time to schedule a hearing test.

A practicing audiologist for HearingLife Canada says almost 50 per cent of Canadians over the age of 60 struggle with some form of hearing loss.

“It happens pretty gradual for most of us,” Jillian Price explained. “That means a lot of Canadians suffer for a number of years, maybe they’re not even aware, or it’s happening so gradual they think, ‘Maybe I can get by.'”

But Price said, if left untreated, hearing loss can have a big impact on overall quality of life.

“It’s how we connect to our world,” she told CityNews. “There’s higher rates of depression, anxiety and social isolation for those who are not treating their hearing loss.”