Hearing loss is defined as any impairment of the ability to hear sound. There are currently 10 million people in the UK living with hearing loss, and this number is expected to rise to 14.5 million by 2031. However, despite being a common problem, many people don’t realise they are suffering from hearing loss and fail to seek help as a result. Hearing loss is a gradual process, which can make it hard to detect. As you become accustomed to your new levels of hearing, you may adjust accordingly, for example by turning up your TV or radio.
What are the causes of hearing loss?
The biggest cause of hearing loss is ageing. Known as presbycusis or age-related hearing loss, this type of hearing loss begins from 30-40 years old and increases as time goes on. By the time most people reach 80, they will have significant hearing loss. Another major cause of hearing loss is exposure to loud noises on a regular basis. For instance, someone who works in construction and is often around loud machinery is more likely to suffer from hearing loss. You can also suffer hearing loss from genetic disorders or a blockage in your ear.
I’m having trouble hearing—what do I do?
he Action on Hearing Loss website has an online hearing test which can be used to assess your ability to hear a voice speaking over background noise. The test is simple and only takes about five minutes. Upon completion, you will be given a result to indicate your hearing ability and offered advice on what you should do next.
If you prefer to speak to a doctor face-to-face, make an appointment to see your GP or healthcare centre. They will check for any obvious ear problems, such as a build up of earwax, any infections or a perforated eardrum. To enable your GP to make an appropriate diagnosis, it may be useful to write down important information, such as when you first started noticing a change in your hearing and the conditions in which you struggle to hear.
Benefits of getting your hearing checked
‘The stigma associated with deafness means many of us are too embarrassed to admit we can’t hear as well as we used to,’ explains Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive of Deafness Research UK. ‘This is a tragedy, because while there is currently no cure for deafness, if diagnosed early enough, there is much that can be done to combat hearing loss.’ On average it takes people over 10 years to address their hearing loss, during which time their hearing will become progressively worse. As well as preventing further deterioration, there are a number of other benefits to getting your hearing checked:
- The longer hearing loss is left, the harder the brain finds it to adjust to having heightened hearing again. This means that when hearing aids are eventually fitted, they may be less effective.
- Contrary to popular belief, hearing aids are not detrimental to your hearing. In fact, they preserve as much of your useful hearing as possible, which is why waiting for 10 years to get your hearing checked can have devastating results.
- Wearing hearing aids can positively impact on quality of life, allowing people to enjoy sounds and activities that they may have believed were behind them.
- There are currently around two million hearing aid wearers in the UK but a further four million people would benefit from having a hearing aid fitted.
- Many people are put off by wearing hearing aids as they believe they look unsightly or unfashionable. However, modern hearing aids are slimmer, lighter and more discreet than ever before.
- According to a study by Deafness Research UK, over a half of hearing aid wearers described having them fitted as ‘a relief’.
For more information on hearing tests and support for hearing loss, visit http://www.actionhearingloss.org.uk
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