What is hearing loss? 1 in 6 adults experience some degree of hearing loss.
Imagine dining in a busy restaurant. In the background there are dishes clattering, chairs scraping, people talking and laughing, and waiters rushing about. You are straining to follow what is happening at your table – and the effort of doing this is starting to make you feel more and more tired
Eventually, you start pretending you can hear. You nod, look interested and laugh with the crowd even though you didn’t get the jokes. You begin to feel left out. When you leave the restaurant you have a throbbing headache, disappointment and no plans to repeat the experience anytime soon.
Causes of hearing loss
Hearing loss can effect anyone at any age, although it is perceived as an age related deterioration.
Hearing loss can be a result of:
- Noise exposure
- Ageing process
Most hearing losses can be corrected. A hearing device can also help to manage tinnitus, cognitive decline, dementia and mental health issues.
As we grow older, our ability to hear diminishes. It affects work, socialising and our general quality of life.
Common signs of hearing loss
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
- Having trouble hearing in a busy, noisy place
- Misunderstanding conversations
- Thinking people mumble
- Increasing television levels and still not understanding speech