Hearing loss is a serious health condition which affects nearly 40% of the Canadian population ages 20 to 79 years old. For a minority of people it can affect one ear while for most people it will affect both ears. There are different contributing factors that lead to ones' hearing loss, with some more common than others. One of the more common contributors is presbycusis also known as “age related” hearing loss. As one gets older hearing loss gradually worsens due to the hindered performance within the inner ear and along the nerve pathways to the brain. This is most common in individuals 60 years and older and why getting a hearing test for this age group is strongly recommended.
What are the potential underlying factors?
· Genetics
· Continuous noise exposure
· Loss of hair cells in the inner ear
· Health conditions (heart disease or diabetes)
· Side affects from some medications/ antibiotics (consult with your family physician)
What are the some of the symptoms?
Speech sounds muffled or sounds like others are mumbling
Asking others to speak slowly or repeat themselves
Avoiding social functions and activities
Increasing the volume on the television and radio
Difficulty hearing consonants
Finding men’s voices easier to hear and understand than women or children
How is it diagnosed?
Usually the symptoms above will tell the individual, their loved ones and friends that something isn’t right about their hearing. At this juncture an appointment for a hearing assessment with a Hearing Professional should be scheduled to confirm these concerns.
Note: If you feel like your hearing is gradually gotten worse, you can schedule a hearing assessment with one of our licensed Hearing Care Professionals at one of our Canadian clinic locations through the link below:
https://campaignforbetterhearing.ca/#locations
Treatments Include:
Hearing aids (For mild to severe cases)
Cochlear Implants (For those with severe/ profound hearing loss where hearing aids aren’t suitable
Lip reading
Assistive listening devices (Aid with television use telephone use and with some compatible electronic devices)
References
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/11-627-m2021077-eng.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20373072
https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/hearing-loss/is-age-related-hearing-loss-preventable
https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52510-Presbycusis-understanding-age-related-hearing-loss
https://www.clearliving.com/uk/hearing/hearing-loss/what-to-expect-from-a-hearing-test/ https://www.clearliving.com/uk/hearing/hearing-loss/what-to-expect-from-a-hearing-test/