5 Things You Should Know About Hearing Loss

Do you find yourself constantly asking people to speak up in pubs or restaurants, or turning the TV up until it’s too loud for everyone else in the room? If your hearing is beginning to concern you, it is probably time to have a hearing test or to see a specialist. Here we discuss five things you need to know about hearing loss. 

1. Hearing loss is more common than you think

Nearly 7 million people have undiagnosed hearing problems, according to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People. Many of us put off going for a hearing test, but it’s a condition that can be simply and effectively managed in most cases. 

Not only that, it can hold the key to improving quality of life for you and those around you. Hearing loss can creep up gradually - symptoms to look out for include having difficulty following conversations when there is music or chatter in the background, struggling to hear on the phone, and turning up the volume too loud on the TV or radio. 

2. Most of us will experience some loss of hearing as we get older

Some people are born deaf, and our hearing can deteriorate at any age, but many of us will find that our ability to hear starts getting worse from around the age of 50. By the age of 70 most people find that they have some level of hearing loss. 

This is most commonly due to changes in the inner ear, making it less effective at picking up sounds, particularly those at higher pitches in noisy environments. 

3.  Hearing aids are discreet and, in some cases, invisible

Modern digital hearing aids are no longer the large and clunky old fashioned devices they used to be. They are virtually invisible and highly efficient at reducing distracting background noise, enabling you to hear more clearly.

Some devices sit inside the top part of your ear (the helix), virtually out of sight, allowing you to feel secure and confident, while ‘invisible’ hearing aids are custom fitted to fit perfectly inside your ear canal. Wireless technology is also used to improve the quality of your hearing, as well as other aspects of your life, including health monitoring and detecting falls. 

4. Aftercare is more important than you may think

It can take time to make sure your hearing aids are working optimally and research shows an ongoing relationship with a skilled and experienced audiologist is key. Although hearing aids can work wonders when correctly fitted, issues can include blockages from earwax, and experiencing whistling or discomfort. 

Luckily these problems are all easily manageable with the right adjustments, as part of a dedicated aftercare programme. Unlike many high street retailers, here at The Hearing Clinic Kensington you will always be treated by a Consultant Audiologist, who is highly skilled in making sure your hearing aids are working at their best.

A hearing test could help your long term mental and physical health

It’s important to get your hearing tested if you notice that something is wrong. Untreated hearing issues can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety, as well as affecting physical health, as people start to avoid previously enjoyable activities such as exercising or going out to see friends. 

Experts studying the impact of hearing loss, especially among older people, suggest that those who do not seek help are also at greater risk of dementia, depression, heart problems and falls. 

A hearing test carried out by a skilled audiologist will be able to identify any issues, and often there are easily manageable solutions. It may simply be a build up of ear wax, or you may need some help with your hearing. 

Visiting our clinic

If you are experiencing difficulties with your hearing and would like to book a hearing test with one of our Consultant Audiologists, please call 020 7244 4200 or make an appointment online.