News for the hard of hearing http://www.hartling.com/channels/news/latest.htm en-us Hartling Communications Inc., 2005 rmertens@bobm.org http://www.hearitbetter.com:80/images/rdf.jpg http://www.hartling.com/channels/news/latest.htm 144 24 News for the hard of hearing http://www.hearitbetter.com:80/channels/news/2005/1115405097/index.shtm What is hearing loss?Hearing loss is a sudden or gradual decrease in your ability to hear. Depending on the cause, it can range from mild to severe and can be temporary or permanent. Hearing loss is also known as hearing impairment, which includes being born without hearing (congenital hearing loss). This topic focuses only on gradual or sudden hearing loss. Gradual hearing loss affects people of all ages and is especially common in older adults. Hearing loss interferes with social interaction in 25% of adults age 65 to 74 and 50% of adults age 75 and older.1If you have hearing loss, you may not be aware of it, especially if it has developed gradually. Family members or friends are often the first to notice the hearing loss. For example, they may notice that you are having difficulty understanding what is being said, especially when there are competing voices or background noise. Hearing loss can impact your personal safety and your productivity in the workplace and at home. However, hearing aids and other devices can help you live a full life by helping you adapt to reduced hearing.