The human ear is amazing, it is one of the bodies most delicate and detailed sensory organs. Nevertheless it is no surprise that such a complex system can be damaged by illnesses, injury and wear and tear.

Just as we get our eyes and teeth checked regularly, taking good care of our hearing is just as important. Around 35% of people over 64 years have a significant hearing loss. Often family members and friends are aware of a person’s hearing problems long before the hearing-impaired person themselves. In some cases hearing loss can be gradual and it goes unnoticed until it is very pronounced. When this is the case it can result in frustration, withdrawal from social activities, depression, isolation and loneliness. People lose the ability to take in the sounds like bird songs, rustling of leaves, the voices loved ones and music.

How can I tell if I have hearing loss?
The obvious warning signs are:

• Asking people to repeat what they have said
• Having difficulty following conversations
• Feelings of ear fullness or pressure, ear noises (ringing, buzzing), and dizziness
• Turning up the TV volume
• Having problems understanding speech when there is background noise

What should I do?
Book a free hearing assessment and get to the root of the problem. Discuss the following with your Hearing Care Professional:

• When did your hearing problem begin and how quickly did it progress?
• Whether there are any obvious related problems (illness, a wax build up, head injury, noise exposure etc.)
• Do other family members have hearing loss?

We will measure your hearing across a detailed range of sound frequencies at different noise levels. Once your hearing has been assessed your Hearing Care Professional will discuss the various options available to you. Early diagnosis is crucial to a better quality of life.


What if I need to wear a hearing aid?
People still have preconceptions about hearing aids not being for them. Their reasoning normally being:

• Hearing aids are ‘only for old people’
• Denial of any hearing loss
• Hearing aids being ‘too noticeable’
• Social acceptance, vanity and / or shame, will often prevent people from wearing hearing aids

The real shame is missing out on sounds in life. The truth is that hearing loss is far more noticeable than hearing aids. Modern technology has allowed the hearing aid sound quality to be tailored to meet a specific hearing loss type. In size they are small enough to be barely noticeable, yet powerful enough to make a huge difference to your lifestyle.


Can hearing aids be almost invisible?
Yes. In the past hearing aids were seen and unattractive. Today newer models are definitely more hi-tech and even quite chic, offering Bluetooth technology and music streaming. They range in size and colour and can be molded from the shape of your inner ear to be cosmetically discreet.

For further information and FAQ please visit Hearing Awareness Week