As we grow older, our senses gradually begin to lag. Sounds we once took for granted, fade or disappear, making it harder for us to engage with the world. If you have been exposed to excessive noise for long periods, the problem is likely to be even worse. Fortunately, there are plenty of research-backed strategies designed to improve the quality of life of those with hearing problems. This article will delve into these strategies and help you approach daily life with confidence.
How Hearing Loss Works
Before we get into ways to improve life with hearing loss, we need to understand how it works. There are two types of hearing loss: Sensorineural and Conductive, and you can be diagnosed with one or both.
Sensorineural hearing loss: problems with the inner ear, commonly caused by noise exposure.
Conductive hearing loss: problems with the middle or outer ear, commonly caused by earwax buildup, infections, holes in the eardrum(s), otosclerosis or ‘luck of the draw’ genetics.
Statistics show that by 2061, 1.5 million New Zealanders will be living with some degree of hearing loss. Crucially, most of this population will be made up of older adults [1]. At A1 Hearing we are well versed in both types of hearing loss, and see many older adults coming in with these problems. People who have worked in the trades for a long time exposed to loud noises on a consistent basis make up the majority of our patient pool.
Ways to Improve Your Quality of Life
1. Pop in for a Hearing Test
Is it Tinnitus? Sudden hearing loss? Hearing loss in one ear? Hearing loss in both ears? If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing ability, it’s best to book in for a hearing test to find out for sure.
Typically, hearing tests are performed in a sound-controlled environment like a sound booth. Our audiologists will carry out a series of tests which indicate the severity and sensitivity of hearing and perform speech testing to gauge the auditory systems’ ability to make sense of complex sounds like understanding speech. As per routine, we also check the physical health of ear canal and eardrum, and test for middle ear function.
At A1 Hearing, we offer many options to get you in the hearing journey including:
A free 15-minute screening test to identify any potential hearing loss.
A free online hearing screener that you can complete at home.
A 60-minute test to allow full investigation of hearing and discussion and recommendation of devices best suited for you.
2. Adjust Your Environment
When living with hearing loss, the sounds you encounter each day can have a big impact on you.
One piece of advice is to focus on one sound at a time. For example, don’t have the TV playing in the background whilst you are watching a video on your phone, and vice versa. Keep the volume low when you use headphones or earphones. Utilise accessibility features like captions to better understanding, and ensure you have good lighting in every room so lip reading is possible.
3. Seek Treatment
In recent years, audiology technology has improved dramatically. There are many ways to go about treatment and improving your quality of life in ways that didn’t exist before.
After receiving your hearing loss diagnosis, your audiologist will talk you through the next steps to address the issue. This might look like booking you in for ear wax removal, fitting you with hearing aids or referring to other specialists including Ear, Nose and Thorat specialists, Hearing Therapists or Audiologist who are specialised in Tinnitus or Cochlear Implants. Your treatment pathway will depend on your diagnosis and your lifestyle needs as discussed with your audiologist.
4. Protect Yourself to Prevent Further Damage
Hearing loss can be caused or worsened by consistent exposure to loud noise. Prevention is the key as hearing loss cannot be reversed or undone. If you have been diagnosed with hearing loss, or you suspect your hearing is a little ‘off’, consider avoiding noisy environments and seeking quiet spaces instead.
Of course, we understand this is not always possible. If you work in a loud environment around machinery or enjoy regular social events, consider using quality ear-defenders or discreet earplugs to lessen the effect of noise on your ears.
5. Educate Your Loved Ones
Communicating with your family and friends can be challenging with hearing loss in the mix. It’s beneficial to learn how to communicate effectively, because nobody wants to feel like they aren’t being heard.
When you are speaking to someone with hearing loss, ensure they can see your face and mouth, as reading lips and expressions are a way to intake information. Try to reduce background noise and speak clearly, rephrasing rather than repeating sentences if needed.
It is also helpful to orientate yourself in such way that you are facing the speaker in front of you and the noise behind you. This will reduce the level of noise distracting you from the conversation.
Final Words
There you have it – five ways to improve your life while living with hearing loss. With the right treatment plan and lifestyle adjustments in place, everyday tasks – from talking on the phone to socialising with friends – can feel enjoyable again.