Hearing Loss & Hearing Impairment
LISTEN TO YOUR EARS
ALL ABOUT OUR HEARING AND HOW TO KEEP IT HEALTHY
Our sense of hearing is perhaps the most fascinating of all our senses. We owe it not only the ability to learn and understand languages, or to enjoy music and play it ourselves. Our sense of hearing also governs our sense of balance and helps us navigate our surroundings. Some experts even believe that the loss of hearing is more severe than the loss of sight. A blind person perceives their surroundings within a 360° radius. A deaf person, on the other hand, cannot hear a car approaching from behind. Their daily life is full of moments of sudden fright.
Hearing loss should be treated as early as possible, because untreated hearing loss can also have a long-term impact on mental health. Those affected find conversations exhausting, eventually avoid social interactions, and withdraw from others. Seeing a hearing care professional in a timely manner helps prevent the serious consequences of hearing loss.
Ears are sensory organs
Our ears are sensitive indicators of our individual physical condition. Persistent ringing, whistling, or sudden hearing loss are always warning signs. They can develop into tinnitus or even sudden sensorineural hearing loss, a dangerous inner ear infarction. A mild, temporary ringing in the ears is nothing to worry about—most people have experienced it. However, if the ringing is frequent or even persistent, a visit to an ENT specialist is recommended. It’s a sign that we should take a closer look at our lifestyle. Are we under too much stress? Are we eating a healthy diet? Do we smoke or drink too much?
It’s a good idea to listen to your ears.
High-tech from nature
Our ears are true marvels of biology: they contain tiny bones that enable precise movement, a fluid that helps maintain our sense of balance, and approximately 3,000 hair cells that allow us to perceive both the highest and lowest frequencies.
Like any high-tech device, our hearing aids are very delicate and prone to wear and tear. The harsh reality is that our ears age. Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) typically begins around the age of 50. About half of men over 65 and 25% of women over 65 are affected by it.
It doesn't seem so bad at first. Since hearing loss sets in very gradually, our brain learns to compensate for the loss, so we don't notice it at first.
Age-related hearing loss starts off quite innocently
The primary causes are wear and tear and damage to the delicate hair cells in the cochlea. However, the auditory nerve, the auditory center, and the relevant areas of the brain are also affected by the aging process. It is a natural process in which hearing loss occurs seemingly without any apparent cause. Noise exposure also takes its toll. The process is further accelerated by cardiovascular or metabolic diseases, genetic predisposition, or nicotine use. Diabetes, high cholesterol levels, or a history of middle ear disorders also contribute to age-related hearing loss.
It starts off quite innocently:
- Frequently asking for clarification because what was said was not understood
- The other person speaks very clearly, using facial expressions to help convey their meaning
- The TV sound quality is getting worse; it's often hard to make out the dialogue
- There have been complaints from my partner or neighbors that the TV or radio is too loud
When the TV entertains the whole house
MAKING TELEVISION A LISTENING EXPERIENCE AGAIN
MODERN TECHNOLOGY MAKES EVENING TELEVISION A PLEASURE AGAIN
Statistically speaking, most people don’t realize they have a hearing problem until they can no longer understand the sound on the TV. By then, they may have already received complaints from neighbors because the volume was too loud. It is often only at this point that those affected decide to see an ear doctor or hearing aid specialist.
Modern technology offers another way to address this problem. It ensures that you can once again fully enjoy your favorite show. Thanks to it, your evening in front of the TV will be a pleasure again.
“WHAT?!”
WHEN YOUR HEARING DETERIORATES WITH AGE
It starts with a diminished perception of high frequencies. The sound becomes increasingly muffled. Later, the mid and low frequencies fade away as well. Eventually, normal communication is no longer possible. People have to ask for clarification, misunderstandings occur, and much of what is said simply doesn’t get through at all.
If you feel that listening is becoming increasingly difficult, this may be a sign of hearing loss. Have any hearing loss treated as early as possible. This is because untreated hearing loss can have a serious long-term impact on a person’s mental well-being. Those affected find conversations very tiring, increasingly avoid social interactions, and withdraw from others. A professional hearing test provides peace of mind. Most hearing care professionals offer these tests for free, and appointments can be scheduled quickly.
A wide network of qualified hearing care professionals is available to provide you with advice and assistance. It is also advisable to see a hearing care professional promptly to rule out the risk of serious consequences resulting from hearing loss.