Paoli, PA – May 17, 2005 - May is both Older Americans Month and Better Hearing and Speech Month. More than half the people older than age 65 have impaired hearing. Proper hearing and ear function is important for balance and fall prevention as well as social well-being.

People who are experiencing hearing loss may withdraw from social situations where it may be difficult to hear – parties, restaurants, etc. Ask your older loved ones these questions:

• Do you have to ask people to repeat what they say before you can understand them?
• Do you often turn your ear toward a sound to hear it better?
• Do you hear better when you're looking directly at a speaker's face?
• Do you find it hard to follow conversation when you're in a group of people?

If you know someone who may have a hearing problem, consult an audiologist. To locate one in your area, and for tips on communicating better with those who have hearing loss, visit the American Academy of Audiology web site at: http://www.audiology.org/aboutaudiology/consumered/guides/.

Your audiologist may recommend a hearing aid or an amplified phone. Be sure to ask the audiologist what specific features are required in each device so you get the products you need for your specific situation. Wellhaven Gifts for Seniors offers a variety of amplified telephones for use with or without a hearing aid. To compare amplified phone features, visit www.wellhaven.com/phone_chart. To see all amplified telephones offered by Wellhaven, visit www.wellhaven.com/phones

Contact:
Patricia Curry
Wellhaven, LLC
Gifts for Seniors
Office: 610-640-3366