IT’S often the butt of family jokes... friends talk about “Can’t Hear Helen” or Pop who’s “deaf as a post”. But if you’re on the receiving end, hearing loss is anything but funny.
For many people, the hardest part is actually acknowledging there is something wrong – and doing something about it.
Some wait years before they seek help, ignoring signs like turning the TV or music up so loud that others complain; frequently asking people to repeat themselves; not feeling comfortable in noisy situations; or missing out on important parts of conversations.
The number of Australians who are deaf or hearing impaired is increasing because of long-term exposure to excessive noise and the ageing population. Family history, having diabetes or being a smoker can also be contributors.
Hearing loss is invisible and often a gradual process. It is more common than you might think.
In fact, one in six Australians are hearing impaired, deaf or have an ear disorder. And 73 per cent of Australians aged over 70 have a mild to severe hearing loss. As many as 85 per cent of people in nursing homes are typically hearing impaired.
If not attended to, there can be serious consequences such as social withdrawal, isolation, depression and dementia.
Hearing Awareness Week runs from August 20-26.
The Deafness Awareness Forum has produced a number of handy fact sheets to help people who are hearing impaired, and people who communicate with them.
There are tips on how to improve communication, how to be a good listener, the different causes of hearing loss, frequently asked questions, tips on how to protect your hearing and more.
- If you think you might have a hearing problem, see your doctor, or consult an audiologist.
