On average, it takes a person around 10 years to finally accept a hearing loss. That is not to say that someone will have a hearing consultation and then ignore the results for 10 years. It means that there may be little signs over the years that your hearing is not what it was but nothing will be done about it. This is absolutely why some people find it difficult to address a hearing loss as it can creep up on you.
Recognise the signs of hearing loss
Some people genuinely don’t even realise there has been a change to their hearing and rely on friends and family members to tell them. However, there are some common symptoms that point towards a hearing loss:
- Asking people to repeat themselves often
- Finding group conversations difficult to follow
- Having difficulty understanding people on the phone
- People commenting on how loud your TV or radio is
- Struggling with conversations when there is a high level of background noise, particularly in cafes or restaurants
- Feeling like people are always mumbling when they’re talking to you
- Finding it tricky to establish the direction a sound is coming from
- Avoiding social situations because you are worried you won’t keep up with the conversation
- People in your life, especially those closest to you, have suggested you have a hearing loss
Consult a hearing healthcare professional
A hearing healthcare professional will test your hearing and advise if you have a hearing loss.
If you think you’ve experienced even just one of these symptoms, you should book a hearing test. Generally, healthy adults should get their hearing tested once every 10 years but once you reach 60, it is recommended that you have yearly hearing tests. A hearing healthcare professional will be able to give you a definitive answer as to whether you do have any hearing loss or if you are experiencing something else, such as an earwax build up. If you do have a hearing loss, they will be able to talk you through which hearing aids would be most beneficial for your hearing loss and you will be able to try out some different aids.
How can a hearing loss be treated?
A hearing loss can be treated with hearing aids.
A hearing loss can be treated easily and quickly with hearing aids. Hearing aids can increase your quality of life and ensure you stay connected to the world around you. Choosing the right style of hearing aid for you is a very personal decision. This can be discussed with your hearing healthcare professional. They will be able to discuss the severity of your hearing loss. They will also offer their advice as to what they would recommend. Hearing aids can often be fitted very quickly after being prescribed and you can begin to enjoy life in full sound once again.
What happens after a hearing aid fitting?
If you decide to purchase hearing aids with us at Veritas Hearing, you will enjoy an extensive 2 year warranty and aftercare package included within the price. This includes as many follow up appointments as necessary until you are comfortable with your new hearing aids. You will then be seen once every 6 months for your hearing to be re-tested. Your hearing aids will be reprogrammed for these changes. If you feel like you need to be seen before the next scheduled appointment, you just need to call us.
It’s important to keep up with your 6 monthly hearing check ups.
If you are reading this and thinking it is time you did something about your hearing loss, please give us a call. We can discuss your options and book you in for a hearing consultation.
