District 22W Hearing Preservation, Awareness & Action Chairman Lion Barbara Brimigion spoke to the Francis Scott Key Lions Club recently on the causes of hearing loss, how to protect and preserve hearing, how to help the needy get free hearing aids, and how to speak at a meeting with hard-of-hearing members. Brimigion, of the Freedom District Lions Club in Carroll County, has also served the district in recent years as Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Treasurer.
Brimigion related that hearing loss affects approximately 466 million persons worldwide and up to 48 million in the United States; approximately one-third of persons over age 65 have some degree of hearing loss. While mandatory newborn hearing screenings will help identify problems earlier (and possibly have hearing aids fitted by age four weeks), studies have found that Baby Boomers are experiencing hearing loss at a younger age. While hearing loss is permanent and irreversible, up to one-third of cases are preventable. Risk factors for hearing loss include some prescription drugs, illnesses with high fevers, high blood pressure, abnormal bone growth and tumors, smoking, and head injuries. The average cost of a pair of hearing aids is $4,800, although some may cost up to $8,000; the average life expectancy is five years and often is not covered by insurance. In some cases, Lions Clubs can help those in need of hearing aids to obtain them.
The FSK Lions also welcomed the latest Operation Blue Thank You honoree, Frederick Police Department Sgt. Kacie Strong. Operation Blue Thank You is the club’s way to thank our local police officers for their efforts in keeping us safe by inviting them to join the Lions members for a meal.
FSK Lions president Toni Gray, speaker District 22W Hearing Preservation, Awareness & Action Chairman Lion Barbara Brimigion, Operation Blue Thank You honoree Frederick Police Department Sgt. Kacie Strong.