Listen Up!
We hear sound 24 hours a day, even when we sleep.
Hearing is one of our most important senses. Helen Keller, a person who was both deaf and blind, once said; “Deafness is even more isolating than blindness”.
Hearing loss is one of the most common and widespread problems we have. At least one out of every ten adults is affected by it, and as many as 60-75% of the elderly have hearing problems.
Early Signs of Hearing Loss
If you experience signs of hearing loss, contact your doctor’s office to discuss the need for a hearing test. Early signs of hearing loss include:
• Difficulty following a conversation when there’s background sounds. For example, in a restaurant or at a party.
• The perception that people are mumbling.
• Needing to turn up the volume on the TV or radio.
• Hearing a ringing, buzzing, roaring, or rushing sound in your ear - this could be tinnitus.
“People around 40 years of age should get their hearing tested as a precaution… especially if they work around loud noises or listen to loud music for extended periods of time,” suggests Stanley Wu from the Unionville Hearing Centre.
Hearing Aids and Listening Devices
There’s no magic pill for hearing loss. A hearing aid is a battery-powered amplifier that makes sound louder. It’s not selective and the sound isn’t always clear. And, it’s not going to bring back your hearing.
There are many different makes, models and prices of hearing aids. Some fit behind the ear, some are worn at the opening to the ear and some go completely into the ear canal.
Personal Stereos and Hearing Loss
Personal stereo systems are incredibly popular and it seems everyone has a cord or set of earphones dangling from their ears. According to anecdotal reports from hearing specialists, there have been increases in the number of younger people who show signs of hearing loss. There’s no question – personal stereos are capable of causing permanent hearing damage.
Protecting Your Hearing While Enjoying Your Stereo
Here are some tips to reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss from personal stereo systems:
• Keep the sound level low enough so that a person next to you doesn’t have to shout to be understood. Stanley Wu recommends keeping volume levels below 50% of capacity.
• Limit the amount of time you spend listening to loud music.
• Reduce background noise so you can use a lower volume level. Or, you can switch to headphones that reduce background noise.
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