HEARING LOSS

Do you know if you have a hearing loss? Permanent hearing loss can occur in as little as 15 minutes with exposure to certain sounds, and almost instantly with unprotected exposure to any sounds above 90 decibels. Once permanent hearing damage occurs, it cannot be reversed. Hearing loss can go undetected for many years, as people are not always aware of it. Seeing a spouse or loved one suffer with hearing loss can be frustrating and heart breaking; it is often family members or friends that are the first to recognise that a hearing loss is present in an individual.

Hearing loss is typically a gradual process that affects certain listening frequencies more than it affects others. But hearing loss is extremely complicated and every loss is individual, every solution unique. Many hearing problems can be easily treated or resolved by a Hearing Healthcare Professional. However, hearing loss can be more difficult to treat if left neglected or mismanaged. The sooner an individual seeks treatment for hearing problems, the better we can be at slowing the negative effects it can cause.

Losing your hearing is a very emotional experience, and the impact it can have on psychological health shouldn’t be underestimated. As well as loneliness, and frustration, it can lead to outbursts of anger, depression, and loss of self-confidence.

As an adult, you might find communicating with loved-ones and colleagues increasingly challenging, and constantly trying to listen can be really fatiguing. You might pass up on social invitations when you know you are going to be in a noisy environment, and you may even go through a kind of grieving when you find your hearing declining.

Good hearing is vital for a child’s development, and an inability to hear may make it difficult for children to interact with family members and other children. They may feel very frustrated when they try to communicate, and poor hearing may lead to poor speech development.

Hearing loss is common in the UK, affecting about 1 in 7 people, it can be present from birth or acquired later in life. If you have a family history of hearing loss, have been exposed to loud noise, take medication, have diabetes, circulation or heart problems then you are at a greater risk. Annual check-ups are important, and should you have any concerns about your hearing it is important to book in for a hearing test immediately.

It’s important to understand that a great deal can be done to help you, or a family member who has hearing loss. Many of our patients tell us that they have felt completely transformed by the help we have given them.