Millions of people worldwide suffer from hearing loss, a problem that is common yet sometimes ignored. Despite its extensive effects, many people are discouraged from getting the support and assistance they require because of the widespread stigma associated with it. It’s time to address this stigma head-on and promote a more tolerant and accepting community.
Dr. Gerard MacDonald, an ENT specialist, believes that hearing loss is a common issue that goes unnoticed by most individuals. In Canada, over 38% of adults suffer from hearing loss, and many more aren’t even conscious of it.
DOWNPLAYING THE PROBLEM
To make matters worse, most health insurance plans do not cover the cost of hearing aids. According to Dr. MacDonald, they are not affordable for a large segment of the population, particularly older people on pensions.
Hearing loss is not limited to the elderly. Younger generations are increasingly suffering from noise-induced hearing loss. According to one study, noise-induced hearing loss affects up to 17% of children in their late teens and early twenties, so it’s a growing problem, according to Dr. MacDonald.
KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS
Hearing loss is a gradual process that takes time to manifest. Your friends and family may occasionally be the first to detect changes in you.
Keep an eye out for little problems like needing to adjust the TV or radio’s volume or experiencing trouble hearing someone on the phone.
A further warning sign is having trouble understanding talks in noisy environments like restaurants and altering your behaviour as a result. People may simply give up since it can be so draining.
HEARING LOSS AND DEMENTIA
You might begin to isolate yourself and become depressed by not interacting with people. Dr. MacDonald cites research demonstrating a connection between hearing loss and dementia.
WHEN SHOULD YOU GET TESTED?
Children in Nova Scotia are checked both at birth and prior to attending school. Test every five to ten years if you are between the ages of 18 and 50. If you work in a noisy environment or have a family history of hearing loss, you should test more frequently. Get a hearing exam every one to three years after the age of 65.
TAKE PRECAUTIONS
Additionally, there are several things you may do to stop hearing loss before it starts. If your place of employment is noisy, consider wearing earplugs and doing routine hearing tests. When you’re in loud environments, including loud machinery, concerts, power tool use, or lawn mowing, use earplugs.
If those in close proximity can hear the music coming from your earbuds, it’s too loud. Limit the maximum volume on your smartphone to no more than 60%. You might have already harmed your hearing if wearing earbuds causes ringing in your ears.
Learn more about hearing loss at https://yourdoctors.ca/blog/health-care/hearing-loss/
Reference: https://yourdoctors.ca/
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