One in 6 Australians has hearing loss and many are undiagnosed and suffer in silence. It is not just the elderly who are affected – nearly half areworking age people (15-64 years).People with a hearing loss can feel isolated and frustrated and their relationships can suffer. They can even become depressed.

You may have hearing loss if you:

• Can hear but do not understand
• Have difficulty in noisy situations
• Think people mumble
• Turn the TV up louder than others
• Do not hear the doorbell or the phone

How is hearing loss treated?

Sometimes there is a treatable cause, such as ear wax or infection, a hole in the eardrumor fluid in the middle ear (glue ear).These problems can be easily fixed. However, most cases are due to ageing and loud noise exposure (especially from the workplace or music) and are permanent. If you have a hearing loss see your GP for a checkup and a hearing test as treatment can greatly improve your quality of life.

Hearing loss in one ear may have a serious cause and should always be assessed. Sudden loss should be checked without delay as urgent treatment may be needed.

Many people benefit from hearing aids which have improved greatly over the past decade with digital technology. The latest aids are smaller, more comfortable and give a clearer sound with less background noise. Government funded hearing aids are available up to age 25 years and for pensioners,veterans and certain other groups. If you are eligible, your GP can arrange for you to receive a voucher for this free service.

For more information, please call us on 1300 362 321.