Hearing loss may be common as we get older but it can have a big impact on quality of life, affecting mental health, ability to communicate with others and even balance.
Hearing loss is something that happens so gradually that often you begin to think that people aren't articulating or they're mumbling. You don't realise that it's your hearing starting to deteriorate. Warning signs of hearing loss can include not knowing what someone is saying, not understanding speech if there's background noise, and mistaking subtle sounds (i.e hearing food instead of wood).
That's why a hearing health check is essential. Here at Duncan and Todd Group, we recommend people over the age of 50 get a hearing check. You have your regular eye tests, or blood pressure checks - why would you not check your ears? They're part of your overall physical health. Myself or one of the other expert audiologists we have across Scotland will guide you through the appointment and you can even have a friend or family member join you as when you introduce amplification through hearing aids it can take some time to get used to them. An appointment normally includes a conversation about your lifestyle and any symptoms, followed by an ear examination and simple hearing test, followed by scheduling in regular appointments to ensure the aids are working and make any adjustments if needed.
There are then various next steps depending on results - for example, earwax removal or more in-depth hearing tests. If hearing loss is detected, our expert audiologists can advise on hearing and listening tactics, before helping you find the right hearing aids, if one is needed. Nowadays, there are many different styles of advanced and discreet hearing aids
Hearing loss is something that happens gradually over a long period of time, so when you introduce amplification and hearing aids, it takes a short while to get used to them. Our hearing care practices at Duncan and Todd Group also offer aftercare, with regular appointments to check-in.
Booking a hearing health check could end up being one of the first steps toward transforming your life. When people start to lose their hearing, they avoid certain situations - they may stop going to social events because they're embarrassed they'll say the wrong thing. After they get hearing aids, I've had so many people tell me that it's changed their lives. It's really hard work trying to look and listen, for your brain to fill in the gaps. When you have hearing aids, it makes the conversation more seamless and there's less stress.
Author - Joan Brown, Hearing Aid Audiologist at Duncan and Todd
