Facts about Hearing Loss:

• Over 40 million Americans have some type of communication (hearing, speech, language) disorder.

• As a result, about $30 billion each year is attributed to lost productivity, special education, and medical costs in the United States.

• When the physical process of hearing breaks down, as it does at some point during the lives of many people, it affects academic, social, family, and career life.

• Of every 1,000 people, 95 reported a chronic hearing loss.

• Proper treatment can minimize or eliminate the isolating effects of most communication disorders including hearing loss

Hearing impairment can occur at any age. The condition develops so slowly that people are often unaware of what they are missing until others begin to notice. Many people deny their hearing loss and commonly wait 5, 7 or even 10 years before seeking assistance for a hearing loss. Sometimes, physicians are not trained to recognize the symptoms of hearing loss or thoroughly test for it. As a result, many people delay getting help. If you can agree with any of the following statements, you should consider visiting a hearing health professional soon:

• You frequently ask people to speak up or to repeat conversation.

• You have difficulty hearing in background noise.

• It is especially hard to hear young children’s voices.

• It sounds like people are mumbling or not speaking clearly.

• You have ringing in your ears

Some people find that they do not have a hearing loss and do not need hearing aids. For others, hearing aids help restore their confidence and ability to participate in and enjoy life again. You have unique hearing needs. Whether your listening situation includes business meetings, social activities or civic functions, our network of highly professional HAMS providers offers hearing aid solutions to match your individual needs.

Audiologists are specially-trained professionals who diagnose and treat hearing disorders, and provide counseling and rehabilitation to people who have hearing loss. Audiologists can dispense hearing aids and other assistive listening devices. Audiologists hold at least the master’s degree and are certified by the American Speech Language & Hearing Association. A majority of states regulate audiologists through licensure or another process.

Hearing Instrument Specialists are also highly trained individuals who provide hearing testing services and treat hearing loss by dispensing hearing aids. These professionals have stringent training and must pass rigorous testing before going into practice. They are nationally board certified and, like audiologists, are regulated by state licensing or other processes.

To locate a HAMS network hearing professional in your area, please check our locator and map, contact us at H.A.M.S. or call 888-311-5305.

Ear Service Corporation (ESCO) was created by hearing health care and insurance professionals to provide hearing device Loss and Damage Protection to the patients of hearing health care practitioners. ESCO now offers many hearing health care services for professionals and people who wear hearing aids. For peace of mind, you can cover your hearing instrument(s) for accidental loss and damage through ESCO’s insurance plans. We cover all products in all states and Canada. For more information on insurance coverage, extended warranty coverage or to get a quick quote call 800-992-3726 or visit us at www.earserv.com