Page 8 July 7, 2016 EL SEGUNDO HERALD (BPT) - Life’s “To Do” list can be pretty daunting. And often, getting started on something is the hardest part. This can be especially true for addressing hearing loss. In fact, most people wait roughly seven years to do anything about it once they realize they have hearing loss. And that’s too bad - research shows that when people treat even just mild hearing loss, their quality of life goes up. Plus, when people with hearing loss use hearing aids, they get more pleasure from doing things and feel more engaged in life. Conversely, non-hearing aid users are more prone to feel down, depressed or hopeless, a Better Hearing Institute (BHI) survey found. They’re also more likely than hearing aid users to say they find themselves getting more forgetful. Groundbreaking studies, in fact, discovered that hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline and dementia. Add to that, BHI research showing that untreated hearing loss can take a significant toll on earnings - up to $30,000 annually. The tricky thing is, we live in a noisy world. It’s hard not to be affected. Many of us undoubtedly feel the impact of blaring music, earbuds, noisy restaurants, clubs and coffee shops, high-decibel ball games and motor sports, ear-piercingly shrill power tools, loud workplaces, and more. It all boils down to this: You’re not alone in the changes and struggles you’re experiencing with your hearing. You have lots of company. Almost 40 million others in the United States have some degree of hearing loss. Research even suggests that hearing loss is now common among people in their 40’s, and is increasing among 20-to-39-year-olds. Luckily, the vast majority of people with hearing loss can benefit from hearing aids - which are now cooler, sleeker, smaller, more powerful, and work better than ever before. They’ve transformed dramatically, even in just the last couple of years. So if you’re tired of turning up the TV volume, missing what people are saying at work, asking family and friends to repeat things, can barely remember the sound of morning birds, or are simply worn out from coping with a neglected hearing loss, do something about it. This may be your monumental moment. You can make the most of it. To help, we’ve put together five easy, achievable steps to get you started. The road to better hearing - and a better quality of life - is a single step away. 1. Take a convenient online hearing check at www.BetterHearing.org. BHI offers a free, quick, and confidential online hearing check Finance Am I Insurable? Three Steps to Take (BPT) - Most people intuitively know the benefits of good health. Some work hard to maintain their health throughout their lifetime, and others not so much. Despite the best or worst intentions, health complications can occur at any time which may impact many areas of life, including finances. At some point in our lives, perhaps when a personal experience jolts some serious thinking, many may even wonder, “Am I insurable? Am I eligible for life insurance?” And for those who have experienced health issues, they may be surprised to hear that the answer may be yes. For example, MassMutual has been offering life insurance coverage to breast cancer survivors since 1964. Thanks to continuous evaluation of underwriting guidelines, the company believes that more survivors than ever are qualifying for coverage with shorter waiting periods and lower premiums. So what factors influence a person’s ability to obtain life insurance coverage? Family medical history, life expectancy, risk factors (such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol), and lifestyle (for example, smoking status) may play a role. If a pre-existing condition exists, insurers may look at the specific type of illness, severity, time elapsed since diagnosis, stability of the person’s health, and treatment regimen, among other variables. Although not everyone with a history of a serious illness will be able to obtain life insurance coverage, the good news is that with more medical information available, better detection, earlier diagnosis, and more effective treatment of illness may mean people live longer, healthier lives. And that means those with a history of serious illness may qualify for life insurance at rates similar to people without pre-existing conditions - once their condition is under control. So what can people do to help improve their insurability? MassMutual offers these 3 tips: Buy when you’re young. If you purchase life (and disability income) insurance coverage before health issues begin to creep in, you will likely end up paying a lower premium over the lifetime of the policy. Make your health a priority. People who watch their weight, exercise regularly, get routine physicals and preventative health screenings, and consistently take prescribed medications will generally have a better risk assessment, which could help increase their eligibility for coverage. Stop smoking. It’s an undisputable fact: non-tobacco users qualify for significantly lower rates than people who smoke or chew tobacco. There’s always a health benefit to stopping, too. Cardiovascular risks drop rapidly, and after a period of cessation, former smokers can typically obtain a better rate. Take every precaution to protect your health, and your financial health. Don’t put it off for a rainy day - make it a priority. For more information, visit massmutual. com. • Seniors Life Hacks for Better Living: 5 Easy Steps to Help You Address Hearing Loss “At some point in our lives, perhaps when a personal experience jolts some serious thinking, many may even wonder, 'Am I insurable? Am I eligible for life insurance?' ” See Seniors, page 16
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