HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A HEARING LOSS?

In most cases hearing loss  develops over time and our brain learns to adjust accordingly. As a result, it can be difficult to know whether there is a loss present or not without proper assessment.
Some of the common signs of hearing loss are:
– Asking people to repeat themselves
– Difficulty following conversations with more than two people
– Having the TV and radio louder than what is acceptable for others 
– Difficulty understanding people if they are not facing you
– Experience ringing or buzzing in an ear/s
– Seems like others are mumbling
– Struggling where there are crowds or background noise

WHAT CAUSES HEARING LOSS?

Some of the more common causes of hearing loss are infections, the natural aging process, excessive noise, hereditary factors, birth defects, cancer treatments and certain medications. These can cause different types of hearing loss.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF HEARING LOSS?

There are 3 types pf hearing loss: Sensorineural (nerve damage), Conductive, or Mixed (both sensorineural and conductive). Sensorineural is the most common type and can occur when nerves in the inner ear are damaged and the auditory pathway to the brain is interrupted. Conductive loss usually occurs when there is an obstruction/impedance in the outer or middle ear and can often be treated with surgery or medication. A mixed loss is when both a conductive and sensorineural loss occur simultaneously.

ARE HEARING AIDS ONLY FOR OLD PEOPLE?

Remember that even children wear hearing aids. Hearing loss can occur at any age. Most people with a hearing loss are younger than 65.

DOES SURGERY OR MEDICATION WORK FOR HEARING LOSS?

Approximately 5% of adults with a hearing loss can benefit from medicines or surgery. All others are treated with the use of hearing aids.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY HEARING IS NOT TOO BAD?

Hearing loss is a scientifically quantifiable condition. Hearing loss is diagnosed by a trained professional working within predefined guidelines. Because hearing loss normally occurs gradually, quite often the sufferer does not realise how bad it has gotten. Early intervention is more effective, and by waiting too long, the brain may lose its ability to recognise and process speech. Memory loss can also be an issue as there is a strong link between cognitive decline and hearing loss. If hearing aids are not going to be of any benefit you would be advised accordingly.