HOW TO DEAL WITH AGE-RELATED HEARING LOSS
Is anyone looking forward to growing old? Once we’ve ‘grown up’, we don’t want to grow old – and many of us tend to deny the realities of advancing age instead of facing up to them.
Age-related deafness is one such reality.About a third of people over the age of 65 are affected, and nearly 50% of people over 75 are affected.Hearing loss affects more men than women, and it is often genetic. However, impairment is often gradual and therefore many people don’t realise that it’s happening.And even if they do realise it, they are often quick to deny it.
People will far rather turn up the volume or change their behaviours before they seek medical help.In fact, studies say that most people wait for about six years before getting their hearing checked (even after they’ve recognised that it’s a problem).
Some indications of hearing loss are :
* Turning up the volume on the television or radio
* Unable to hear people when there is lots of background sound
* Growing difficulty with high-pitched voices
* Having difficulty understanding conversations on the telephone, particularly mobile phones
* Withdrawal from social situations
* Steering clear of noisy public areas such as shopping malls, restaurants and coffee bars
* Inability to hear day-to-day sounds like running water, boilding kettles or door bells
* A ringing or buzzing sound in the ears
* Favouring a ‘good’ ear
* Continually asking people to repeat themselves
Hearing aids could well be the answer for millions of sufferers, but the sad reality is that only one out of ten people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually wears one.However, many people still believe that hearing aids are difficult to wear, not effective, unattractive and uncomfortable – despite the fact that technology has made huge advances.
“That’s a totally misguided perception,” according to hearing aid professional in Perth, Gerry McDade.”Modern hearing aids are highly advanced, totally discreet and very effective.They are individually programmed for individual needs so there is maximum benefit.Don’t let deafness impair your quality of life – make up your own mind and see for yourself.”
There are a number of hearing aids on the market which suit all requirements and all budgets, and technology is improving constantly.Hearing aids range from behind the ear types, to in the ear types, custom made ones for the ear canal, and tiny ones that are invisible and fit totally inside the canal.
Hearing loss affects over half of sufferers in both their ears, so McDade says it’s advisable for people to wear two hearing aids.”Wearing two hearing aids ie. binaural amplification will give a more balanced sound with better overall sound quality,” he added.”People are more relaxed and more comfortable, meaning their quality of life improves.”
Hearing loss isn’t only about quality of life, but it can lead to potentially dangerous situations such as an inability to hear cars approaching when crossing the street.If you think you may be losing some of your hearing or you think that someone in your family may benefit from a hearing aid, please get professional help and advice. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll hear.
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Tags: digital hearing, hearing aid, hearing aids, hearing centre, hearing damage, hearing impaired, hearing loss, hearing services, hearing test, hearing tests
