July2012_Hearing loss falls on deaf ears
In the Moreton Bay region, fewer men than women are screened for hearing loss, according to findings by Australia’s largest independent hearing care organisation, National Hearing Care.
Kippa Ring audiologist, Tricia Medina, from National Hearing Care in Anzac Avenue, said that the latest figures show fewer men are getting screened for hearing tests and are likely to have undiagnosed hearing loss.
“We also saw a slightly higher percentage of men with hearing loss than women, even though there were fewer men tested compared to women,” she says.
Ms Medina says one in six Australians has a hearing loss. The rate for men is even higher due to factors such as noise in the workplace and war service.
“Men are least likely to take the initiative for a test. It’s usually their partners who get sick of nagging them and drag them in to get checked.”
“Since hearing loss is gradual and subtle, many people don’t even realise they’re losing their hearing and tend to blame the other person with phrases like ‘stop mumbling!’ and ‘you never told me that’,” she says.
Philip Armstrong, National Manager at Australian Counselling Association in Queensland, agrees.
“Communication is paramount in all relationships and can be the cause of significant problems if a partner feels like they aren’t being listened to,” he says.
“While the individual suffering hearing loss can become angry and frustrated, often resulting in withdrawal, particularly when they are unable to hear multiple conversations or participate in a group conversation.”
“Some hearing loss is a natural part of ageing, but can be exacerbated by heredity, lifestyle and illness. If you spend a lot of time working where there is a lot of noise, have experienced repeat ear infections, diabetes, high blood pressure, or are a smoker, you’re more likely to have hearing problems,” Mr Armstrong says.
“One of the first things we ask all patients to do before we begin any counselling is to have a complete physical and participating in a hearing test is absolutely part of that. A lot of people, traditionally men, put off getting their hearing tested because they don’t like the look of a hearing aid or visiting doctors” says Mr Armstrong.
Ms Medina reiterates that, “the real number of people suffering hearing loss in the Moreton Bay region may never be known, because many people live with the symptoms before seeking relief with the help of a device.”
"The average time between noticing a hearing loss and acting on it is seven years, don’t wait, come in for a free hearing test. What people don’t realise is times have changed and hearing devices are now incredibly small and comfortable – some even use the latest wireless technology to connect directly to your TV or phone.”
You’ve got nothing to lose, and a life of sound to re-gain", says Ms Medina.
About National Hearing Care
National Hearing Care has been helping Australians hear better for over 10 years. We have one of the largest networks of permanently staffed centres located across Australia.
We employ a highly qualified team of professional audiologists, each with extensive experience in all areas of hearing loss, including diagnosis, rehabilitation, hearing loss prevention and the latest instrument fitting technologies.
National Hearing Care is offering free hearing tests at all clinics, plus up to 25% off selected hearing devices and a free care package until 27th July 2012. To find a local clinic please visit: http://www.nhc.com.au/FindaLocation.aspx or call 1800 828 047
“We also saw a slightly higher percentage of men with hearing loss than women, even though there were fewer men tested compared to women,” she says.
Ms Medina says one in six Australians has a hearing loss. The rate for men is even higher due to factors such as noise in the workplace and war service.
“Men are least likely to take the initiative for a test. It’s usually their partners who get sick of nagging them and drag them in to get checked.”
“Since hearing loss is gradual and subtle, many people don’t even realise they’re losing their hearing and tend to blame the other person with phrases like ‘stop mumbling!’ and ‘you never told me that’,” she says.
Philip Armstrong, National Manager at Australian Counselling Association in Queensland, agrees.
“Communication is paramount in all relationships and can be the cause of significant problems if a partner feels like they aren’t being listened to,” he says.
“While the individual suffering hearing loss can become angry and frustrated, often resulting in withdrawal, particularly when they are unable to hear multiple conversations or participate in a group conversation.”
“Some hearing loss is a natural part of ageing, but can be exacerbated by heredity, lifestyle and illness. If you spend a lot of time working where there is a lot of noise, have experienced repeat ear infections, diabetes, high blood pressure, or are a smoker, you’re more likely to have hearing problems,” Mr Armstrong says.
“One of the first things we ask all patients to do before we begin any counselling is to have a complete physical and participating in a hearing test is absolutely part of that. A lot of people, traditionally men, put off getting their hearing tested because they don’t like the look of a hearing aid or visiting doctors” says Mr Armstrong.
Ms Medina reiterates that, “the real number of people suffering hearing loss in the Moreton Bay region may never be known, because many people live with the symptoms before seeking relief with the help of a device.”
"The average time between noticing a hearing loss and acting on it is seven years, don’t wait, come in for a free hearing test. What people don’t realise is times have changed and hearing devices are now incredibly small and comfortable – some even use the latest wireless technology to connect directly to your TV or phone.”
You’ve got nothing to lose, and a life of sound to re-gain", says Ms Medina.
About National Hearing Care
National Hearing Care has been helping Australians hear better for over 10 years. We have one of the largest networks of permanently staffed centres located across Australia.
We employ a highly qualified team of professional audiologists, each with extensive experience in all areas of hearing loss, including diagnosis, rehabilitation, hearing loss prevention and the latest instrument fitting technologies.
National Hearing Care is offering free hearing tests at all clinics, plus up to 25% off selected hearing devices and a free care package until 27th July 2012. To find a local clinic please visit: http://www.nhc.com.au/FindaLocation.aspx or call 1800 828 047
