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How common is hearing loss?
Hearing impairment affects many people at different stages of their lives. 55% of people over 60 years of age have some degree of hearing loss, rising to over 70% of people by the time they reach 70 and 93% of people 81 years and older. This shows that if your hearing is deteriorating it isn't unusuall at all. Hearing loss can affect your quality of life and it's never too late to do something about it, so if you have any concerns Book an Appointment for a hearing test and talk to one of our qualified audiologists who will be happy to help you.
How do I know if I have a hearing loss?
Hearing loss often occurs so gradually that the individual may not be aware of a problem. In fact, it is not uncommon for a hearing loss to be first detected by a family member, who has to speak louder or repeat themselves. Early signs of hearing loss include:
1. Turning the TV or radio volume louder than other family members prefer.
2. Difficulty understanding speech in a background of noise, for instance in restaurants.
3. More difficulty hearing children and women than men.
4. Difficulty hearing in meetings.
5. Difficulty hearing at public speaking events.
6. Ringing in the ear(s) when no external sound is present.
7. Having things repeated frequently.
8. Difficulty hearing people "with low voices."
My ear has an eco when I speak or listening to someone. What causes that and how can I get help?
From what you have described, you may have a blockage in one or both ear canals which is usually caused by an accumulation of ear wax. I would suggest that you have your ears examined either by your ENT or, if you use hearing aids, by your hearing care professional.
What causes hearing loss?
Most hearing loss is caused by the ageing process, however regular exposure to loud noises, heredity, and some illnesses can also cause hearing loss. Around 90% of all cases of hearing loss are because the microscopic hair cells in the cochlea (or inner ear) become damaged and means that they cannot send a complete signal to the brain. As a result, it becomes difficult to understand the consonants that allow us to understand speech.
How can I keep my ears healthy?
Never poke anything into your ears. The lining of the ear is delicate and can easily be damaged. To keep ears clean, wash the visible part of the ear and behind the ear using a little soap. Then wipe the soap away with rinsed fingers and dry with a thin towel. Don't use cotton buds to clean ears. They can irritate the ear canal and push wax back inside, making it more difficult to remove. Don't immerse ears in bath water as body bacteria may enter your ear canal and could cause an infection. A drop of medicinal olive oil inserted into each ear once a week for people with dry, flaky skin helps to lubricate both the skin and any earwax, encouraging natural movement of wax out of the ear. Don't ignore ear problems; they won't improve without proper treatment. The longer an ear problem is neglected, the longer it may take to treat. If you experience any loss of hearing, whatever the possible cause, get it checked. We offer a comprehensive hearing assessment and expert advice. Use earplugs to protect ears from dust and loud noise.
Can I wear one hearing aid instead of two?
92% of all people experiencing hearing difficulty have hearing loss in both ears even though they may not be fully aware of it. Our Diagnostic Hearing Evaluation will help determine whether or not hearing loss is actually present in both ears. Once we complete your full Diagnostic Hearing Evaluation, we will recommend a full range of options to best suit your individual needs.
How long do hearing aids last?
With proper use and maintenance, hearing aids typically last between three and five years.
Are hearing aids difficult to maintain?
The most difficult part of maintaining your hearing instrument is not losing them! They can be quite tiny and easy to misplace, so make sure that whenever you take them out of your ear, you returning them to their case.
The other aspects of maintenance are not too difficult or intrusive to handle. For example, opening the battery door when you take your devices out at night will help their batteries last longer.
Moisture and earwax buildup are the two biggest reasons for repairs on hearing devices, so cleaning them regularly can save a lot of hassle. The best (and the easiest) way to do this is by purchasing a cleaning and drying kit. Putting your devices into the kit at night will remove moisture while also killing germs and bacteria. You can also use a clean, gentle cloth to wipe excess dust and earwax off.
How do I Know if my Child Needs Speech Therapy?
If your child’s slow learner is present at an early age, your health care team may recommend speech therapy as part of your child’s early intervention plan. There are also language developmental milestones that you can monitor to make sure your child is on track and talk to your doctor if you suspect any problems.
What can I expect as a result of my child’s speech language assessment?
Two weeks subsequent to the last assessment date you will receive a comprehensive speech language report detailing your child’s performance on administered formal and informal testing. It will contain performance scores (if applicable), detailed descriptive summary of performance strengths and weaknesses, impressions, recommendations, referral for additional professional consultations (if needed), treatment goals and objectives as well as suggested remediation methods, techniques, and strategies.
What is the average therapy frequency and duration?
Average therapy frequency is once a week for a duration of half an hour. Selective clients receive higher therapy frequency and lower therapy duration; still others come in on biweekly or monthly basis to maintain skill level/abilities.
Do speech-language disorders affect learning?
Speech and language skills are essential to academic success and learning. Language is the basis of communication. Reading, writing, gesturing, listening, and speaking are all forms of language. Learning takes place through the process of communication. The ability to communicate with peers and adults in the educational setting is essential for a student to succeed in school.
Why is speech therapy so important?
If not addressed in a timely manner, struggles with communication can have a lifelong effect. As children get older and have a communication difficulty, it can be more difficult for them to make friends or be successful in school. If the problems persist into adulthood there can be many after effects— socially, academically and professionally. Adults with communication issues may find themselves struggling in their work and personal lives. Early intervention is key to success at any age.
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