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Photo: @rachelfuda

Originally posted at: Rachel Fuda’s Turquoise Skirt Set

How would you feel about living a life that is healthier and happier?

I suppose the answer would be a resounding, “I would love that!” I’m here to tell you that as you age, there are certain misconceptions that, if understood, can help you and your loved ones live healthier, happier and perhaps even longer lives.

Many don’t fully understand what hearing loss truly entails. While hearing loss is the #1 sensory disorder on the planet, it is also one of the least treated chronic medical conditions.

Let’s discuss some common misconceptions about hearing loss and what you can do to support healthy hearing.

Misconception #1: Your Doctor Will Inform You If You Have Hearing Loss

Even if you show up for regular check-ups with your doctor, a general practitioner will rarely, if ever, have reason to believe you may be suffering from hearing loss, and I’ve yet to see one who will automatically perform hearing tests related to symptoms you may be experiencing (and quite frankly, it’s not their job). No – rubbing their fingers near your ears and asking if you can hear it – is not a hearing test!

It is vital to understand that, when experiencing symptoms of hearing loss and tinnitus, it could be related to your hearing health, and you should see an audiologist to confirm whether your symptoms are related to damage in the ear and/or brain. These symptoms may include:

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Muffling of speech and other sounds
• Background noise becoming bothersome
• Issues understanding words in noisy places
• Social isolation
• Asking others to repeat or speak slower or louder
• Issues hearing consonants in a sentence
• Turning up the volume often

It is important as you age to have professional hearing tests done, especially in the early stages. This can go one of two ways. You may find out that your hearing is fine, and your audiologist can use the result as a baseline to compare your hearing down the road. Or, if it is verified that you do have hearing loss, your audiologist can determine the degree and advise as to whether hearing aids will benefit you.

Misconception #2: Hearing Loss Will Only Affect the Ears

Although we were taught in grade school that we hear with our ears, the truth is we hear with our brains! When you are having difficulty hearing, obviously the ears are the first thing you think of. However, there are many other areas in your life that can also be impacted by hearing loss.

Over time, hearing loss can and will (if not properly addressed) affect your social life, your mental health, your cognitive abilities, and overall health and wellness. Don’t let yourself get to a point where it is too late. Address it now and enjoy the finer things in life as you age.

Misconception #3: You Cannot Improve Your Hearing

While hearing loss cannot be cured, you can significantly improve your hearing, and there are treatments available to help you do so. One of the most promising and helpful options being the use of hearing technology to properly stimulate the brain and help you hear everywhere. Today’s advanced prescription technology is proven effective in providing you with a better overall hearing experience no matter what environment you are in (including noisy restaurants).

Using prescription technology to treat hearing loss is the most common and effective option available. If you are prescribed hearing aids as part of a comprehensive hearing treatment plan, the goal is to increase the clarity of what others are saying, reduce the interference of background noise and impede the ringing in your ears (assuming you suffer from tinnitus – like 90% of all people with hearing loss).

Providing the right auditory stimulation to the brain can only be achieved with a custom prescription that results from a comprehensive diagnostic process. This guarantees that each patient will receive maximum clarity and hear as naturally as possible.

While the short-term goal of treatment is to reduce the frustration, isolation and embarrassment that come along with hearing loss, the long-term goal is to improve cognitive (brain) health and reduce the risk of detrimental diseases such as dementia.

Misconception #4: Hearing Aids Are Huge and Embarrassing

Many years ago, this was true, but hearing aids have come such a long way.

So, the question is, “Will others be able to see my hearing aids?”

Thankfully, I can now tell you that there are several options available when it comes to modern hearing technology. Extended Wear Technology is placed deep in your ear canal and worn 24 hours per day for 4 months at a time. This hassle-free option is great for patients who desire maximum discreteness or for those who cannot handle the daily routine (due to arthritis or memory-related issues).

Daily Wear Technology offers the most advanced and precise capabilities that can follow the dynamics of every listening environment and differentiate between speech and background noise. You and your hearing healthcare specialist will decide what is best for you, your hearing loss, and your tinnitus needs.

Misconception #5: Hearing Aids Are Not Affordable

One of the biggest mistakes often made is assuming that hearing aids are outside of your budget. In fact, there are many affordable options made to help you not only treat your hearing loss but ones that don’t break the bank.

Keep in mind, however, that some low-cost over-the-counter hearing aids will be more expensive to maintain down the line. In some cases it’s more affordable to get a monthly treatment plan that includes full coverage of your device, supplies, etc.

As always, I look forward to your questions. And if you’d like to learn more about the latest research about and treatment options for hearing loss, there is plenty of information on my website.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Who was the first person who noticed your hearing loss? Do you think your GP is competent enough to diagnose/test hearing loss? Do you wear hearing aids? What’s your experience with them?

Have you felt invisible after turning 50, 60 or 70? Many women experience this sense of fading into the background as society tends to prioritize youth and overlook the wisdom and beauty that come with age. It’s not uncommon to feel like your voice is getting lost amidst the noise or that your presence is no longer noticed as it once was. The feelings of invisibility can be disheartening and can even take a toll on your self-esteem and confidence.

Imagine walking into a room and feeling a sense of self-assurance radiating from within. Picture yourself embracing your age with pride and shining brightly, making an indelible mark on everyone you meet. This article is here to show you that you can transform your perspective, manifest your shining star, and build unwavering confidence in yourself.

How It Makes You Feel

Feeling invisible can be an emotional rollercoaster. Trust me, as a woman over 60 who is 4’11”, I don’t generally command attention when I walk into the boutique! Quite often, I want to evoke Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman and go back later and say, “Big mistake, big mistake!”

For me, it evokes feelings of self-doubt, inadequacy, and even frustration. You might find yourself reminiscing about the days when you received more attention and recognition, wondering why that acknowledgment seems to have waned. The fear of becoming irrelevant or overlooked can dampen your spirit and hinder you from embracing your true potential.

There are various scenarios where you might experience invisibility as a woman. Perhaps you’ve noticed that you’re not getting the same opportunities at work as your younger colleagues, despite your experience and skills. Or maybe you’ve felt ignored in social settings, as if your presence doesn’t carry the same weight it once did. These situations can be discouraging but remember that we have the power to change the narrative. It’s now or never!

Manifesting Your Shining Star and Building Confidence

Moving forward, let’s focus on the positive journey ahead! Today we can embrace and manifest our shining star and build the unshakable confidence we deserve!

Embrace Your Age with Pride

There are numerous inspiring women who have embraced their 60s and beyond with pride and demonstrated that age is just a number.

One shining example is Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist and conservationist. Throughout her 40s and beyond, she continued her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees, tirelessly advocating for wildlife conservation, and inspiring countless individuals to protect the planet. Her unwavering commitment to her passion showcases the strength and wisdom that come with age.

Another remarkable woman who embraced her age with pride is Michelle Obama. As the former First Lady of the United States, she demonstrated grace, intelligence, and resilience during her time in the White House and beyond. Michelle used her platform to advocate for issues close to her heart, such as education, health, and women’s empowerment. Her self-assurance and commitment to making a positive impact have left a lasting legacy for women of all ages to look up to.

By drawing inspiration from women like Jane Goodall and Michelle Obama, you will be encouraged to celebrate your age and recognize the strength that comes with it. Through self-affirmation exercises, you will learn to embrace every aspect of yourself, paving the way for newfound confidence.

Finding Your Unique Style

Finding your unique style is a journey of self-expression and self-discovery. Reflect on your personality, interests, and lifestyle. For example, if you love vibrant colors and patterns, consider incorporating bold prints into your outfits. If you prefer a more minimalist approach, focus on clean lines and classic pieces. Your style should align with who you are and what you do.

To further explore your unique style, create a style inspiration board. Collect images from fashion magazines, websites, or social media platforms that appeal to you. Pin these images on a physical board or create a digital one. Look for common themes and elements in the images to identify your style preferences. This exercise will help you visualize your desired style and provide a blueprint for your fashion choices.

Experiment with different looks and don’t be afraid to mix and match. Sometimes, you may discover hidden gems that suit you perfectly. Accessorize to enhance your style. Jewelry, scarves, hats, and belts can add a personal touch to your outfits and reflect your individuality. Consider sustainable fashion to add an eco-friendly and unique touch to your wardrobe. By supporting eco-friendly brands and incorporating vintage pieces, you can stand out from the crowd with your distinctive style.

Cultivating Personal Growth

Personal growth is an essential aspect of manifesting your shining star. Here are some tips to cultivate personal growth:

Set Goals and Intentions

Take some time to reflect on your aspirations and set meaningful goals for yourself. Whether they are related to career, relationships, health, or personal development, having clear goals can give you direction and motivation.

Embrace Lifelong Learning

Keep your mind engaged by seeking new knowledge and skills. Take up a course, read books, listen to podcasts, or attend workshops that align with your interests and passions. Lifelong learning not only expands your horizons but also boosts your self-confidence.

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Growth often happens outside of your comfort zone. Challenge yourself to try new experiences, take calculated risks, and overcome fears. Each step beyond your comfort zone builds resilience and empowers you to embrace change.

Practice Self-Reflection

Regularly engage in self-reflection to understand your thoughts, emotions, and actions better. This introspective practice helps identify areas for improvement and fosters personal growth.

Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

Surround yourself with supportive and uplifting individuals who inspire and motivate you. Cultivate relationships with people who believe in your potential and encourage your personal growth.

Accept and Learn from Failures

Failure is a natural part of growth. Instead of letting setbacks discourage you, see them as opportunities to learn and improve. Embrace the lessons from failures, and use them as stepping stones toward success.

Prioritize Self-Care and Taking Action Now

It’s important to be intentional with your time and that also means prioritizing self-care.

Make Time for Relaxation

Set aside time for relaxation and activities that bring you joy. Whether it’s reading a book, meditating, or enjoying a bubble bath, relaxation rejuvenates your spirit.

Prioritize Physical Health

Take care of your body by engaging in regular exercise, eating nutritious meals, and getting enough rest. Physical well-being is the foundation of feeling confident and empowered.

Connect with Nature

Spending time in nature can be therapeutic and grounding. Take walks in the park, go hiking, or simply sit outside and breathe in the fresh air.

Engage in Creative Pursuits

Explore your creativity through art, music, writing, or any other form of expression that resonates with you. Creative activities can be a source of joy and personal growth.

Set Boundaries

Learn to say no to commitments that drain your energy and prioritize activities that uplift you. Setting boundaries allows you to focus on what truly matters to you.

Practice Mindfulness

Being present in the moment and cultivating mindfulness can reduce stress and enhance self-awareness.

Perhaps as your next step, you may want to complete this free worksheet: Invest in Yourself to start this process of self-exploration!

Feeling invisible is a shared experience, but it doesn’t define who you are or what you can achieve. It’s time to step out of the shadows and embrace the radiant, powerful woman you are! Embrace your age, prioritize self-care, reinvent your style, and pursue your passions with determination.

Your star is ready to shine brighter than ever before, and the world is waiting to be inspired by your brilliance! Take the first step towards transformation and embrace the journey of self-discovery and empowerment right now!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How have you embraced the radiant and powerful woman you are today? What steps did you go through? What tips can you lend all of us?

Photo: @madison.lecory

Originally posted at: Madison LeCroy’s Floral Skirt Set

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Photo: @rachelfuda

Originally posted at: Rachel Fuda’s White and Blue Embroidered Shirt Dress