Better Hearing
Taking action and gaining back control.
For some individuals during the last couple of years, many have experienced social isolation due to COVID-19. Now starting to emerge once again out into socially starved communities in which they live. However, for those with hearing loss, isolation is an ongoing issue.
Recent studies indicate hearing loss can occur at any age and stage of life. With one in six Australians experiencing hearing loss, causes can be from health conditions, trauma, genetics, ear infections, exposure to prolonged noisy environments, and as we mature with age our hearing can naturally decline. In addition to these causes, it can also simply be as a result of ear wax build up.
Individuals with hearing loss can find it difficult to communicate with friends and family, constantly struggling to hear and understand what is being said. As a result, the impact of this miscommunication can bring with it feelings of isolation, fatigue, frustration, embarrassment, irritability, stress, depression, and a reduction in self-confidence. Hearing loss can present difficulties in communication within school, work, home, and social situations.
Specifically, when discussing age-related hearing loss, research has linked age-related hearing loss with a decline in cognitive function such as dementia. This seems to be not an effect of the hearing loss as such but more a result of the social disengagement caused by hearing loss.
But there is good news, there are options and solutions to alleviate the impact of hearing loss and with that, significant well being improvements. Lifestyle changes, stress management solutions, doing things you love and enjoy, and generally keeping an active mind and body will also assist in these positive changes. And quite importantly, also increased communication and social stimulation.
Hearing rehabilitation programs, communication strategies, hearing protection, an annual ear wax clean, and hearing aids can all assist in improving and protecting your hearing – while also significantly contributing to your overall wellbeing and quality of life.
It’s been an uncertain and disruptive time, with many of us having deferred important health checks. Now is the time to reconnect and seek the professional advice you need. Be sure to include a comprehensive hearing assessment on that list.
As trusted hearing care professionals and local Audiology Competency Centre, Ear Studio listen to you, talk through your needs and concerns, including what your hearing and wellbeing objectives are so that you can achieve them – together.
The month of March hosts both World Hearing Day and Hearing Awareness Week.
What better time to make the commitment to hear better, live better, communicate better and truly connect with those that mean most to you.
Make your actions count. Call today to book a comprehensive hearing assessment, wax removal appointment or hearing aid trial.
Ear Studio is located at Suite 9/60 Cecil Avenue, Lawton House Castle Hill. And at Terrey Hills Family Surgery, 50 Booralie Road, Terrey Hills. Call (02) 9159 6122; Email reception@ earstudio.com.au or visit www.earstudio.com.au TRADING HOURS: Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday by appointment only. “Proudly independent and locally owned “
REFERENCE AND RESEARCH SOURCES:
•• The Hearing Journal (lww.com)
•• Dementia-Hearing-Loss-Hearing-Care.pdf (hcia.com.au)
•• About ear health | Australian Government Department of Health
•• Hearing Loss, Loneliness, and Social Isolation: A Systematic Review (nih.gov)
