Hearing is something most of us take for granted. But have you ever thought about those who eventually lose the ability to hear, or those who cannot hear at all? Well, we asked Dr Reddy Sivaprasad, Head – Training & Clinical Devt. Amplifon (India) Pvt. Ltd about hearing loss and how people with the decreased ability to hear can get tested.
Hearing loss can be present at birth (congenital) or become evident later in life (acquired deafness). The distinction between acquired and congenital deafness specifies only the time that the deafness appears.
According to the Journal of Pediatrics, 12.5% of kids between the ages of 6 and 19 suffer from loss of hearing as a result of using ear phones/buds turned to a high volume. Young people are actually vulnerable to hearing loss due to their excessive use of listening to music at overly high/ loud volumes (using personal music systems/ music at discotheques).
Exposure to loud noise in certain occupations from sources such as construction machinery, heavy equipment, or amplified music can cause permanent sensorineural hearing loss in people of all ages and is the second most common cause of hearing loss.
Other sources of excess noise include attendance at concerts and nightclubs, and use of music headphones, household power tools, or firearms. The louder the noise and the longer a person is exposed to it, the greater their risk of this type of hearing loss. To prevent this type of hearing loss it is important to wear proper hearing protection and avoid exposure to loud noise whenever possible.
The first sign of hearing loss is a difficulty in hearing speech clearly in certain daily life situations. For example, difficulty with cross-conversations, hearing at a distance such as in meetings, listening to the TV or radio, or hearing in large buildings where there may be echoes such as in churches or auditorium.
Other signs include difficulty in hearing certain speech sounds or tones clearly. For example, you may be unable to distinguish similar sounding words or hear higher pitched voices, such as those of children. Aging is a very common cause of hearing loss.
Usually hearing loss is first noticed by others around you. Detecting and treating hearing loss early is a significant step towards improving the quality of your life. If you feel you have trouble understanding speech in any two different situations of life or more, it is time for you to visit an Audiologist.
Experience and the research suggests that untreated hearing loss can lead to a variety of complications, the most common one being the less (treatment) responsive hearing loss, over time. Other immediate complications include getting isolated in the immediate family, workplace and society and less productivity at the work place.
Audiometry is the testing of hearing capacity that quantifies the total hearing/loss. There are various different ways to test hearing depending on the age of the person involved and the type of hearing loss. In order to test middle ear condition, it is customary to administer Impedance testing in some cases.
To determine the degree of hearing loss of an individual, a series of tests needs to be done by certified audiologist. Based on the degree of loss hearing can be classified as -
The first step is to have a routine hearing check for monitoring the hearing loss and to take appropriate steps to maintain the amount of hearing ability left. It is recommend one get frequent and regular checks, hearing rehabilitation strategies or the use of hearing instruments. Acquiring a hearing aid is not a decision made lightly and you must visit a good audiologist who can help you choose the best way to help you hear better.
A gradual hearing loss can often make people feel isolated as they find it difficult to carry on conversations with family or friends. One of the main impacts of hearing loss is on the individual’s ability to communicate with others. Spoken language development is often delayed in children with deafness. Limited access to services and exclusion from communication can have a significant impact on everyday life, causing feelings of loneliness, isolation and frustration, particularly among older people with hearing loss.
Importantly, it can also increase risk both at home and in the workplace, for example, not hearing a warning alarm. If a person with congenital deafness has not been given the opportunity to learn sign language as a child, they may feel excluded from social interaction. Hearing care in India is at a nascent stage for various reasons like the discomfort of wearing a hearing aid, the unawareness to problems related to hearing deficiencies. However, with various developments in technology today we are able to provide customized hearing care solutions.
The theme of this year's World Hearing Day is "To hear for life, listen with care" which will focus on the importance of safe listening as a means of maintaining good hearing across the life course and hearing loss prevention.
If you are not careful, then hearing loss or deafness can affect anyone as there are many factors that lead to the problem. Here is everything you need to know about it.
Does your kid keep headphones on all the time? Here is the reason why it could be more dangerous to your child than you think. Read on to know more.
An American study has recently found that women with osteoporosis and low bone density are more likely to develop age-related hearing loss.
Did you know texting while walking can lead to hearing loss? The study says that one can become deaf for a moment while concentrating on a visual task!
SE Asian member countries of WHO undertakes a resolution to eradicate measles and rubella by 2023. Know about these two conditions.
A new research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society has revealed that hearing difficulty in old age is linked to lower involvement in health care routine.
A new study published in the journal PLOS One has revealed that assessing human hearing ability by tracking the heart rate can lead to early detection of hearing loss that can help in the development of communication and language skills.
Hearing loss can lead to a number of other health risks. Here are some of them.
Recent studies have found that regular exercise can delay the process of geriatric degeneration. Our experts give you a foolproof combat plan for the most common health challenges that you are likely to face in the later years of your life. Take action NOW!
Hearing loss is easy to diagnose and treat, and treatment may be even more important if it can help ease or prevent depression.
Don't take noise pollution lightly. From children to old people and even pregnant women, everyone needs to be wary of noise pollution,
It doesn't matter how old the teachers are or which grades or subjects they teach, the job of every teacher is strenuous -- not just physically but also mentally. This is why teachers need to be extra cautious about their health.
Like hearing aid, a cochlear implant can provide a sense of sound to people who are suffering from sensorineural hearing loss. But it cannot restore 100 per cent hearing capacity.
Deafness, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), refers to the complete loss of hearing ability in one or both ears, while "hearing impairment" refers to both complete and partial loss of hearing ability.
Smokers are at a greater risk of hearing loss, according to a study.
Early identification can be achieved through new-born hearing screening.
Hearing loss is one of the most common disabilities in elderly people, affecting 1/3rd of people over 65.
The theme of this year's World Hearing Day is "To hear for life, listen with care" which will focus on the importance of safe listening as a means of maintaining good hearing across the life course and hearing loss prevention.
If you are not careful, then hearing loss or deafness can affect anyone as there are many factors that lead to the problem. Here is everything you need to know about it.
Does your kid keep headphones on all the time? Here is the reason why it could be more dangerous to your child than you think. Read on to know more.
An American study has recently found that women with osteoporosis and low bone density are more likely to develop age-related hearing loss.
Did you know texting while walking can lead to hearing loss? The study says that one can become deaf for a moment while concentrating on a visual task!
SE Asian member countries of WHO undertakes a resolution to eradicate measles and rubella by 2023. Know about these two conditions.
A new research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society has revealed that hearing difficulty in old age is linked to lower involvement in health care routine.
A new study published in the journal PLOS One has revealed that assessing human hearing ability by tracking the heart rate can lead to early detection of hearing loss that can help in the development of communication and language skills.
Hearing loss can lead to a number of other health risks. Here are some of them.
Recent studies have found that regular exercise can delay the process of geriatric degeneration. Our experts give you a foolproof combat plan for the most common health challenges that you are likely to face in the later years of your life. Take action NOW!
Hearing loss is easy to diagnose and treat, and treatment may be even more important if it can help ease or prevent depression.
Don't take noise pollution lightly. From children to old people and even pregnant women, everyone needs to be wary of noise pollution,
It doesn't matter how old the teachers are or which grades or subjects they teach, the job of every teacher is strenuous -- not just physically but also mentally. This is why teachers need to be extra cautious about their health.
Like hearing aid, a cochlear implant can provide a sense of sound to people who are suffering from sensorineural hearing loss. But it cannot restore 100 per cent hearing capacity.
Deafness, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), refers to the complete loss of hearing ability in one or both ears, while "hearing impairment" refers to both complete and partial loss of hearing ability.
Smokers are at a greater risk of hearing loss, according to a study.
Early identification can be achieved through new-born hearing screening.
Hearing loss is one of the most common disabilities in elderly people, affecting 1/3rd of people over 65.
No almonds and walnuts can't help if you have any of these problems!
While you may be in your twenties or thirties, you'll be a little surprised to know the age of your ears.
