Hard to Hear
What to do if you’re finding it hard to hear
Hearing loss can be an extremely debilitating and life-altering condition. Too often, the early signs of hearing loss are ignored or left untreated, potentially increasing the severity of the problem and limiting the success of future treatment. Early detection is key in preventing further damage. If you’ve noticed hearing problems or you’re finding it increasingly hard to hear, you should consult an audiologist for a hearing test as soon as possible.
Recent studies show that one-in-seven Australians suffer from hearing loss, and this is expected to rise to one-in-five by 2060. Results of these studies also suggest that nearly half of childhood hearing loss and one-third of adult hearing loss is preventable. Additionally only one-in-five Australians who could benefit from a hard of hearing device are actually using one.
What these figures show is that a significant proportion of hard of hearing disabilities are either preventable or treatable.
Why am I finding it hard to hear?
There are two main types of hearing loss:
- Conductive hearing loss
Conductive hearing loss is caused by problems with the passage of sound through the outer ear or middle ear. It is most commonly caused by a buildup of earwax, a perforated ear drum or a middle ear infection. In most cases, conductive hearing loss can be treated with a good chance of completely restoring hearing. - Sensorineural hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs in the inner ear and is also known as nerve deafness. It can be caused by genetic factors, excessive noise exposure (either sudden or prolonged), or degradation of the inner ear due to aging. Other causes include reactions to some medications, congenital problems, infections, and kidney or heart disease. The majority of cases of sensorineural hearing loss cannot be cured. However, it can often be treated with hearing devices.
Why you should get a hearing test?
One of the best ways to prevent hearing loss is to get regular hearing tests. Studies suggest that nearly 50% of hearing loss in children is preventable, so scheduling regular hearing tests for kids is the best way to monitor changes in your child’s hearing and address any issues as soon as they arise.
For adults, more than one-third of hearing problems are preventable, so it’s important to monitor any changes in hearing, especially since the likelihood of hearing loss increases significantly with age.
A hearing test could also identify or help to prevent a range of other health problems including untreated dementia, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and depression.
You may even be eligible for the NDIS if your hearing test results show you qualify as having a hard of hearing disability.
The benefits of hearing devices
At Hearing Professionals, we offer a range of hearing devices, treatments and solutions to help manage hearing loss. Our range of hard of hearing devices offers state-of-the-art features like:
- Feedback cancellation
- Open fit acoustics
- Noise reduction
- Directional microphones
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Multiple and automatic program selection
- Binaural hearing aid solutions
Book a hearing test now
At Hearing Professionals, we provide comprehensive hearing tests in Melbourne from our clinics in Ivanhoe, Bundoora and Brighton. We provide the highest quality of service for both children and adults, in a quick and cost-effective manner. If you’re finding it hard to hear, contact us today for a hearing test consultation.