Good hearing sweetens life for grandparents, grandchildren alike

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Grandparents and grandchildren have much to learn from one another, and such valuable relationships should be cultivated.

Recent research by Oxford University revealed that “involved” grandparents contribute significantly to better-adjusted grandchildren. The research suggests that children find unique acceptance in their relationships with grandparents, which benefits them emotionally and mentally.

The grandparental bond is built on communication. In fact, most children studied did not identify distance as an important factor if communication was strong.

Unfortunately, hearing loss is the No. 1 challenge to communication. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, age and hearing loss are strongly related — 30 percent of seniors ages 65-74 suffer from a hearing disability. Of adults 75 and up, hearing loss affects 47 percent.

“It doesn’t take a Ph.D. for my patients to understand the many costs of hearing loss,” said Dr. Sreek Cherukuri, a certified ear, nose and throat physician from Chicago.

Beyond emotional well-being, even something simple like taking the grandkids to the pool can turn dangerous if a grandparent can’t hear possible cries for help. Driving, too, puts the children at risk if the grandparents cannot hear on- coming traffic or car horns.

The NIDCD reports that only one in five people who need a hearing aid actually wear one, largely because of the cost factor.

“I found that I saw too many patients with hearing loss going home without a solution because they couldn’t afford hearing aid prices,” Cherukuri said.

His response was to develop inexpensive but effective hearing aids.

“With today’s technology, a quality hearing aid shouldn’t cost more than a digital camera or iPod,” Cherukuri said.

“You should see a physician and get the best hearing aid you can afford. We offer an excellent choice for those who cannot afford a custom hearing aid.”

More information on hearing loss and options is available online at MDHearingAid.com.

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