Email from HDI High Definition Impressions

January 2026

• VISION LOSS •

Our family wishes yours a happy and healthy 2026! In the year ahead, we will continue sharing useful educational information which supports you making well-informed hearing healthcare decisions. Your readership of our informative E-Newsletters is appreciated, with important feedback and questions welcomed. We seek to serve and being In the Know is what you deserve.

Clearly, best corrected hearing and vision assists us in comfortably navigating daily surroundings. In fact, life’s soundtrack and beautiful sights enrich experiences and stimulate our minds. From casual conversations to dining out or favorite hobbies, the sensory delights which audio and visual acuities deliver should not be taken for granted.

In these 3 scenarios, especially Day 3, managing activities of daily living would be challenging and perhaps unsafe. For a moment, ponder how difficulties involved might strain your brain to work harder. Upon reflection, is someone in your circle of life negatively affected by these forms of sensory deprivation and are they getting trusted advice?

10s of millions of North Americans are estimated to have various degrees of hearing OR vision loss. Further, hearing and vision loss prevalence increases as we get up in years.

Presbycusis or Age-Related Hearing Loss is “estimated to affect approximately two-thirds of Americans aged 70 or older.” ¹

Regarding vision, a sizable percentage of individuals have cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.

From a Public Health perspective, here’s the United States Census Bureau’s view on Demographic Turning Points: Population trends 2020-2060. Note that, by 2030, 73.1 million people (21%) will be 65 or more years old.

1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559220/

With a rapidly aging population, a rapidly growing cohort will have both Hearing and Vision Loss, commonly called Dual Sensory Loss (DSL). During January’s Glaucoma Awareness Month is an ideal time to raise awareness about DSL.

Glaucoma is referred to as the sneak thief of sight because there are often no symptoms in initial stages of progressive damage to the optic nerve. Although this incurable disease typically causes permanent visual field loss from “the outside in,” regularly scheduled eye exams, earlier detection and personalized treatment plans aim to preserve sight.

To see how vision with glaucoma appears, watch this 1-minute video.

Similarly, gradual hearing loss is often invisible, being (when noticed) “seen” as an incurably normal part of the aging process. Advocating for Better Hearing is Better Healthcare goals, we should lookout for lifestyle-related Warning Signs. Are you or a loved one noticing these sensory struggles?

⚠️ Think other people mumble?

⚠️ Hear people talk, but have difficulty understanding the words?

⚠️ Have trouble hearing in crowds or when background noise is present?

⚠️ Ask others to repeat themselves often?

⚠️ Lack confidence in and avoid social situations?

Speaking of sensory delights, have you heard of the Cornell Labs citizen science project, BirdNET, which uses machine learning methods to recognize birds from sounds? Get back to nature with this amazing platform’s novel technology. Indeed, as with many facets of busy lives, the sights and sounds of birds may be enjoyably seen and heard.

With senseful purpose, we want you and your loved ones to be

Happy to (see and…) Hear!

While we take your hearing care seriously, a little laughter goes a long way.

Good Humor, Healthy Hearing

As you see an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist for annual vision diagnostics, realize it is vital for you, loved ones and colleagues to get annual hearing evaluations. In 2026 and years to follow, don’t let Age-Related Hearing Loss (ARHL) be the “sneak thief of sound.”

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Exciting news! Focus Hearing has expanded, and we're thrilled to announce our new location. New office, same exceptional hearing care!

7500 W. 160th St, Ste 103

Stilwell, KS 66085

(913) 600-4619

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