Lets talk about hearing loss
We’ve said it before but we have seen a really positive movement towards opening up the conversation about hearing loss, sharing stories and encouraging people to tackle changes to their hearing head on.
Its well documented that for a whole host of reasons, people will deny or hide their hearing loss which in the long run makes matters worse. Even now its estimated by the US-based Better Hearing Institute that the average time it takes for people to approach an audiologist about their hearing loss is a whopping 13 years!
As Actress Marion Ross said about encouraging people with hearing loss to get help:
Hearing loss very often is such a gradual phenomenon – you really have to be patient with them in getting them to come forward to get help
But recent months have seen a proliferation of commentators and bloggers raising the profile of hearing loss and more importantly getting people TALKING about the their hearing loss. Its revolutionising the way people see the issue – which is vital when you consider that 2 out of 3 people who have hearing loss are currently undiagnosed and untreated.
There are a number of red flags which could be signs of hearing loss.
1. You find you have to turn the volume up on the television when other people are complaining its too loud
2. You hear but are straining to understand what others are saying.
3. You have trouble following conversations in busy places.
4. You often ask people to repeat sentences.
The hardest part of booking a hearing test is picking up the phone. As is always the case, its easier to come to terms with something when you know what you’re dealing with.
If you get a diagnosis of hearing loss, you may find yourself dealing with a number of mixed up feelings. But if you can get yourself online, you’ll soon find a whole load of hearing loss blogs, forums, websites and the like which will help you feel less alone.
Living with Hearing Loss is a blog by Shari Eberts, a Hearing health Advocate from the US
The Say What Club is an online community of people who have hearing loss and provides online support
And if you are having a down in the dumps moment about hearing loss, you’re in good company! A host of rock stars and celebrities have been coming out about their problems with hearing loss or tinnitus, including Phil Collins and The Who’s Roger Daltrey (pictured).
Please call us if you’re in Wales or in the South West of England and book a hearing test if you think you could be suffering from hearing loss.
