| Heeding the signs of hearing loss |
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| Written by Christina Hession | ||||
| Wednesday, 31 January 2007 | ||||
Page 1 of 2 People who experience persistent hearing loss should consult their GP or a hearing aid audiologist.
Seventeen per cent of Irish people, or one in six people, have some
hearing difficulty. This comprises 11 per cent who suffer from mild
hearing loss, five per cent with moderate hearing loss and one per cent
with severe hearing loss. Hearing Awareness Week is marked by the launch of a public information leaflet called 'Have You Heard?', which outlines the basic facts that people need to know about their hearing. It includes a simple self test and information on where to go for help and noise levels that can damage hearing. A special hearing care line (1800 882 884) has been set up to answer queries on hearing throughout the week, and all 25 Hidden Hearing centres throughout Ireland will be open to take queries from people with concerns about their hearing. Hearing loss may be caused by wax build up or the onset of Meniere's disease, an inner ear condition that can cause dizziness and tinnitus. Both should be treated by a GP or, if symptoms persist, a hearing aid audiologist should be consulted. People may also experience hearing loss after a severe cold or an aeroplane journey and, although they should recover, it is advisable to seek professional advice if symptoms persist or if you are concerned. Over time, exposure to loud noises causes irreversible damage to the tiny hair cells in the cochlea. Although a hearing aid can help, natural hearing cannot be restored. Most people are well aware that loud sounds cause damage, however some everyday sounds are loud enough to be harmful. Whilst hearing loss is usual amongst older people, younger people can also experience difficulty. The effect is that sounds and speech can become muffled. They can be heard, but not understood. If parents have concerns about their child, professional advice should be sought. |
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