HEARING AWARENESS FEATURE
Listen for hearing loss By TRACEY JOHNSTONE
H
earing loss is part of the ageing process, but it doesn’t need to define you if you take hold of it rather than ignore it and just battle on regardless. There are safe hearing strategies you can use that can ease the discomfort of hearing loss. Tell the people you are talking with that you struggle with your hearing. Ask them to face you when talking and speak normally. And if you still miss what is being said, tell the speaker and ask them to repeat their words. Try not to worry when you don’t hear everything being said. Instead, focus on the theme and then piece together the conversation content. Where possible reduce the background noise by choosing a place to sit that is away from loud noises. Try to reduce the time you wear headphones. They are part of our daily lives when
listening to music or talking on the phone but limiting their use can go some way to protecting your hearing. But for noise cancelling headphones, they can be useful for reducing the noise when you are in loud environments such as when travelling in a bus or train. If all this still leaves you frustrated and tired from the effort, then it’s time you sought the advice of a hearing expert. They can show you what options there are for making your life a lot more enjoyable. For people who have in the past been exposed to loud noise in nightclubs, bars or at concerts, a sensation of sound in the ears known as tinnitus may occur. Normally tinnitus recovers within a short time but if the exposure has continued for a long time it can lead to permanent hearing loss. There is no medical or surgical cure for noise-induced hearing loss.
CHECK HEARING FOR GOOD HEALTH There is a silent epidemic of hearing loss which impacts upon the quality of life and health of Australians. World Hearing Day (March 3) aims to raise awareness of hearing loss more widely. Hearing loss is one of those health issues that is far more widespread than you think. It is estimated that one in six people have a significant hearing loss, this is expected to increase to 1 in 4 by 2050. Once you reach the age of 60 the statistics indicate 50% have a hearing loss. The impacts of untreated
hearing loss make it more likely that people develop depression, anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. They may also avoid or withdraw from social situations. The Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing’s (CHeBA) Sydney Memory and Ageing Study from 2005–2017 indicated that there is a significant association between selfreported hearing loss and mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to dementia. The good news is according to a 2017 report published in The Lancet addressing midlife hearing loss may prevent up to 9% of new dementia cases.
The take home story is that your hearing is critical to your overall health and wellbeing. Book an appointment today. Mark Paton is a senior hearing rehabilitation specialist at Hear4Good an Australian and independent hearing clinic at Golden Beach and Caloundra. (07)54770144 www.hear4good. com.au
BEWARE OF HEARING DAMAGE DUE TO LOUD SOUNDS This year’s theme for World Hearing Awareness is: “To hear for life, listen with care ! ” The incidence of hearing loss is increasing and it’s not just due to an aging population. The World Health Organisation projects one in four people to have hearing problems by 2050. Importantly hearing loss due to loud sounds can be prevented - a timely reminder to wear hearing protection when operating
power tools or attending concerts. Safe listening levels depend on the intensity, duration and frequency of the exposure. Even short periods of exposure to loud sounds can cause noise induced hearing loss. Damage to the hearing system can also accumulate over a lifetime and manifest as a hearing loss in later life. If you have ever worked in noise or practiced noisy hobbies it is also
possible you will find yourself with hearing difficulties. Support is available at Sunshine Coast Audiology, where you can fitted with over-the-counter or custom made hearing protection, test for hearing loss and supply, fit and adjust hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Ph: 07 5378 2226 or email: info@sunshinecoastaudiology. com.au.
Welcome to
Sunshine Coast Audiology Our services include: • We are an accredited provider of the Hearing Services Program • Hearing rehabilitation for adults • Hearing aid repairs and adjustment • Full diagnostic hearing assessments for school-aged children and adults • Hearing screenings for adults and school-aged children • Supply and fitting of custom and over-the-counter ear plugs • Tinnitus management
Please call us on 07 5378 2226 or email info@sunshinecoastaudiology.com.au Sunshine Coast
29.indd 3
Shop 10, 1 Scholars Drive Sippy Downs
Why Choose us? We are an independent practice with no affiliation to hearing aid manufacturers, as such we are able to recommend, fit and adjust hearing devices from all leading brands and will do what is right for you as the patient, not a foreign shareholder. We look forward to meeting you and your loved ones and assisting with your hearing needs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us! - Anita Burgess and Emryn Maclachlan
www.sunshinecoastaudiology.com.au March 2022 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 29
2/03/2022 4:13:22 PM
