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Hearing loss is extremely common, affecting 20 per cent people aged 55-60 years and as much as 50 per cent of people aged in their 70s.
Age is the dominant cause of hearing loss followed by over exposure to loud sounds. Hearing protection can prevent noise-induced hearing loss, however not much can be done to prevent age related hearing loss.
Audiologist at Totalcare Hearing, Michael Gordon, said that hearing loss can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and furthermore on the quality of life of their loved ones.
“Having our hearing checked should be no different from having our eyes checked. It affects so many of us and it is often very gradual in its onset,” he said.
Generally, we lose the ability to hear the high pitches first. As the hearing loss progresses it affects the mid and lower pitches.
The early signs of hearing loss include noticing that it is more difficult to hear conversation in background noise and in groups, and that people around us are mumbling. Communication with others can become increasingly challenging.
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Unfortunately, hearing loss so often leads to unnecessary conflict with partners, children and friends. One should seek a hearing test at the first signs of hearing loss.
Hearing loss and memory loss
According to Mr Gordon, many people do not understand the full health benefits from using hearing aids.
“There is a strong link between dementia and hearing loss, as well as a link between incidence of falling and hearing loss. What we now understand is people with hearing loss who use hearing aids can significantly reduce their risk of developing dementia or falling,” he said.
Latest hearing technology removes stigma of hearing loss.
In the past hearing aids have carried a lot of stigma. However things have changed dramatically in the past five years or so. The modern hearing aid is almost undetectable when worn. In fact some are classed as “invisible”.
More importantly the sound processor is now so powerful that many people with hearing loss can expect nearly normal hearing ability with a hearing aid.
“I have been an Audiologist for over 20 years, and only recently I have seen hearing aids give many people normal hearing function in almost all listening environments” Mr Gordon said.
The big benefit in the modern design of hearing aids is that people feel comfortable using them all day,” he said.
Having a hearing test
Hearing tests do not require a referral and a comprehensive hearing test takes about 40 minutes. If hearing aids are recommended then no obligation trials are available.
Totalcare Hearing is accredited with the Commonwealth to provide free hearing tests and services to eligible pensioners and veterans.
During Hearing Awareness Week Totalcare Hearing are offering free hearing assessments.
Details: www.totalcarehearing.com.au/
