Information on hearing loss
hearing loss to finally do something about it.
Some are embarrassed, many people however, are
simply waiting for the hearing problem to go away,
this is rarely an option."
Source - Hearing Concern
Hearing loss
A hearing impairment or hearing loss is a full or partial decrease in a persons ability to detect or understand sounds. There are many causes of hearing loss but the most common, Presbyacusis (which is also known as age-related noise induced hearing loss), occurs slowly as we age. The hearing normally deteriorates as a result of exposure to loud sounds, experienced throughout our lifetime. Presbyacusis usually affects both ears equally and the hearing loss is most marked at higher frequencies. The hearing nerves lose their function and no longer channel sound signals to the brain, damage to the hearing nerves accounts for approximately 95% of all hearing losses and is generally permanent. Over time the brain becomes unable to understand them as the brain centre for hearing stores sounds and noises for up to just three years following the onset of a hearing loss. After about seven years the memory becomes weaker and weaker. This type of hearing loss cannot be treated medically, but it can be remedied successfully (if treated early enough) with the use of digital hearing aids.
Hearing loss comes in many forms. It can range from a mild loss in which a person misses certain high-pitched sounds, such as the voices of women and children, to a total loss of hearing. It can be hereditary or it can result from disease, trauma, certain medications, or long-term exposure to loud noise.
Common hearing problems
It’s a common belief that hearing impaired people just can’t hear sounds loudly enough, but the problem is a lot more complicated than that. There are 4 main problems caused by hearing loss. - Soft sounds can’t be heard, such as some speech sounds like ‘s’ and ‘p’ and ‘ch’. - Key parts of particular speech sounds may not be audible, meaning sounds are misheard and words misunderstood. - Sounds are difficult to separate, so voices can become jumbled up with background noise. - There is a reduced range of hearing in the impaired ear, meaning that soft sounds can’t be heard but loud sounds may actually be intolerable. If these problems are affecting you or a family member, it is important to seek advice promptly.
Emotional trauma
Some people may not want to admit they have trouble hearing. Older people who can't hear well may become depressed or withdraw from others to avoid feeling frustrated or embarrassed about not understanding what is being said. It is easy to mistakenly call older people confused, unresponsive, or uncooperative just because they don't hear well. Hearing problems that are ignored or untreated can get worse. If you have a hearing problem, you can get help. Hearing loss is not something to be ashamed of, it is a problem that affects 1 in 5 uk adults. Our free over 55 hearing test will at least provide some answers, and our audiologists are available to answer any further concerns.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus, also common in older people, is the ringing, hissing, or roaring sound in the ears frequently caused by exposure to loud noise or certain medicines. Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease, so it can accompany any type of hearing loss. Tinnitus can also be a sign of other important health problems, such as allergies and problems in the heart and blood vessels. Tinnitus can come and go, or it can persist. It you have sought medical treatment but have been unsuccessful, there are studies to show that a hearing aid may help. If you have any questions or concerns, especially regarding your suitability please contact us.