Doctors say hearing loss is becoming an epidemic challenge in America. The National Council on Aging says 25 million people in the United States have hearing loss. Many Baby Boomers, who "lived their lives out loud," are now struggling to hear as they approach senior status. Social workers and psychologists who work with older Americans point out that untreated hearing loss can often contribute to depression and social isolation.

How quickly is hearing loss becoming a larger issue? Consider the statistics. Between now and 2050, the number of hearing-impaired Americans will increase at a faster rate than the U.S. population will. Fifteen percent of college students in America have a level of hearing loss equal to or greater than their parents have.

It’s a problem worldwide too. Hearing loss is the #1 disability in the world and also the most preventable one. The hearing aid is the second most widely used assistive technological device after the walking cane.

A new generation of products is helping people stay active and connected with the rest of society, despite their hearing loss. New Yorker Roy Nevans is a regular patron of theater shows on Broadway and a television producer. He has hearing loss after an injury in the Korean War. Nevans tried the Sound Wizard II System made by HITEC Group International, and he liked it.

Nevans said, “It is very easy to use, and has excellent tone and clarity. As one who wants to hear every word of the dialogue, the well-designed Sound Wizard II has enabled me to do just that."

HITEC recently introduced a new product line for people with hearing loss. ClearSounds® Communications products combine functionality with versatility. They can complement an existing hearing aid and can also be used without one. The goal is to give people with hearing loss the ability to stay connected in their professional and personal lives.

Michele Ahlman, VP of HITEC, says people who use these products are not alone. “Self Help for The Hard of Hearing, SHHH, reports that every seven seconds a baby-boomer turns 50, contributing to the current epidemic stats on hearing loss.”

Ahlman says people with hearing loss need to be educated by their audiologist about complementary targeted ALDs. She says they can help hearing aids be more effective for people in many situations. “Getting out of bed, talking on the telephone, listening to TV, enjoying dinner with friends, meetings, the theater, and movies- these are just a few of the lifestyle situations for which a hearing aid may not be the only solution for optimum hearing.”

"ClearSounds products are not going to restore your hearing, but have been designed to definitely help bring your life back to you when a hearing aid is not needed, or is not the only solution to hearing loss,” adds Ahlman.

The ClearSounds Communications line includes several products. The ClearSounds Sound Wizard II Complete Communication System uses a powerful amplifier. It enables you to hear clearly while screening out background noise. It works with the Phone Module, Infrared Module, and other optional accessories to transform muffled sounds into clear reception in a variety of social and work settings.

The ClearSounds Amplified Freedom Phone includes Caller ID and helps you talk on the phone without missing a word. The ClearSounds Amplified Liberty Trimline Phone is another cost-effective option.

The ClearSounds Amplified Phone Ring Signaler helps you not miss phone calls. It attaches to any existing phone. It delivers a forceful tone that directs you immediately to the phone, combined with a bright strobe which works in coordination with the ring tone to attract your attention.

The ClearSounds Portable Telephone Amplifier attaches to corded phones. It helps increase the incoming volume and shape the tone of any call so you hear each word clearly.

ClearSounds products are available in the US and Canada through large distributors and retailers, and in select Beltone Hearing Centers. For more information on ClearSounds products, call HITEC at:

1.800.288.8303 (V) 1.800.536.8890 (TTY) or log on to www.hitec.com