Hearing loss is usually something that develops slowly, with the first signs hard to recognise. Over time, you may find that you need to ask people to repeat themselves, turn up the TV to a level others find uncomfortable, or experience pain or ringing in the ears. If you notice this in yourself or someone you love, you will be looking for ways to improve your/their hearing or at the very least slow down the rate at which hearing is lost.
Prevention
One cause of hearing loss is over-exposure to loud noise, such as working in a noisy environment such as a place with lots of noisy machinery. This risk is something your employer should be aware of, and they should provide the appropriate personal protective equipment, such as ear defenders, in accordance with the noise at work regulations. If this is not the case, speak to your employer.
Some medications can cause hearing loss as a side effect. This should be reported to your doctor, who may be able to offer you an alternative.
Screening
As with many conditions, the earlier a hearing problem is caught, the better the chance of finding ways to mitigate it. Regular screening or a checkup at the first sign of a problem is highly recommended. If you are not sure what audiology services are available in your area, use an internet search term such as ‘hearing test Christchurch’. This will produce results such as www.imperialhearing.com/audiologist-near-me/christchurch.
Regular screenings can be carried out at different points of life, from neonatal and childhood screenings to checks on the elderly. With hearing loss particularly common in the over-65 age bracket, these checks can be particularly important.
Hearing loss can be debilitating, leading to social isolation, confusion, and even dangerous situations. It can also lead to poor outcomes in education and employment. Treatment can vary depending on the cause of the hearing loss; for example, in childhood, it might require grommets to correct a diagnosis of glue ear. More permanent hearing loss may require the use of a hearing aid.