Losing some of our hearing as we age is common, though just how common may surprise you. In Australia, 1/3 of seniors 65 years or older, and 1/6 of all Australians suffer some form of hearing loss during their lifetime.
Losing one’s hearing can be frightening. Most people wait years before doing something about their hearing loss, preferring to tell themselves it will pass or that it isn’t that bad. But untreated hearing loss negatively impacts their safety, relationships, and quality of life.
Admitting hearing loss is difficult. We don’t like to think of ourselves as old or somehow “defective.” We want to believe we are forever 25, in perfect health, and fit as a fiddle. The reality is that one in six Australians have some degree of hearing loss.
There are plenty of obvious reasons to address a hearing loss. We all want to keep up with conversation when there is background noise and enjoy a movie without straining to hear. However, research is showing that one of the most compelling reasons to seek help is the ways hearing impairment can impact your mental and emotional health.
Figuring out which hearing aids are the best is sometimes difficult for new hearing-loss sufferers. It’s often hard to know what to consider first. Here is what you need to know about hearing aids, so along with your hearing clinician you can select the best option for you.
Birds singing. Rain falling. Friends and family laughing. These are part of the soundtrack that make up our daily lives – unless you are among the one in six Australians living with hearing impairment. If you are over the age of sixty-five, that number goes up to one in three.
Our range of home demonstration hearing device* makes it easier for you to trial the experience of wearing hearing aids by shipping it directly to your home. No visit to Audiology clinic required.
Most people are aware of the biggest danger for hearing loss: extended periods of time in loud environments without hearing protection. However, there are some less common sources which people should be aware of.
It’s a very disconcerting feeling to realise that you’re not hearing as well as you used to. It’s not a matter of being in a noisy environment – you find yourself leaning forward to be able to listen to someone even in a quiet house.
Many people think of hearing loss as “an old person’s problem” or “something that will never affect me because I hear just fine”. However, the truth of the matter is that hearing loss is a condition that can affect anyone of any age from newborns all the way up through the elderly.
When you or a loved one experiences a loss of hearing, the first step is to contact a reputable audiology clinic and schedule a hearing test to uncover the type and level of hearing loss you may suffer. Hearing test appointments are typically 45 minutes and include testing and consultation.
If you have hearing loss, where should you start your search for a solution?
Some people get on the internet and search for products and read consumer reviews to help them make a choice. Some have been recommended specific brands by their friends or family member because it was a great fit for them. But, should you just look up ‘hearing aids’ online, and choose the best brand, based on customer reviews or recommendations made by your loved ones?