Hearing Loss
In today’s modern society there are more people suffering hearing loss at an earlier age. Environmental factors such as loud stereos and MP3 players, city traffic, power tools and music concerts have contributed to this effect. The good news is that hearing problems can be helped immensely by hearing aids but unfortunately only 23% of people who need hearing aids have them. This is because hearing loss can have a slow effect not noticed by some and also because some people are in denial that they require a hearing aid.
Hearing loss is quite normal and is part of the aging process. It also may be hereditary. Throughout life your ears will be damaged and you will also naturally lose your ability to hear as you age. The most effective way to recognise if you are affected by hearing loss is to see if you have observed any of the following in your life:
- Tiredness or stress from trying to hear
- Hearing mumbling instead of speaking
- Having to study someone’s lips as they speak so you understand them
- Reluctance to socialise as you can’t hear anyone
- Turning up the volume of television and radio more often, or being told to turn the volume down by your family
- Difficulty understanding people when there are external noises around
If you aren’t sure if you are suffering from hearing loss but have found some of the above points apply to you it would be wise to get your ears tested. Hearing tests at Paxton-Barrand can be conducted with headphones and are completely painless. While undertaking a hearing test you will hear different tones through the headphones played at different volumes. Your hearing healthcare professional makes a note of the lowest volume level at which each individual tone is audible. Your results will be discussed with you. In the case that you do need hearing aids, we will discuss your suitability for hearing aids, the styles available and pricing.