Hearing Health Awareness and Prevention
Look after your hearing in the same way you look after other aspects of your health. Having a hearing test helps to detect early signs of hearing loss, so you can keep your hearing healthy for longer.
Did you know that with a GP referral you can now claim a portion of your audiologist fees back making it even more accessible to have a hearing assessment. Those on a pension there is no cost for a hearing test.
What age do you need a hearing test?
Our hearing can begin to decline as young as 25. It is best to have regular checks throughout your life, whether you are young, old or somewhere in-between.
Ageing and hearing loss go hand in hand. More than 40% of people over the age of 50 have hearing loss, rising to 71% of people over 70.
Because of the gradual change in hearing, some people are not aware of the change at first. In other words, you’ve got to protect your hearing whatever your age.
Why we all need to have regular hearing checks.
Inside our ear is a spiraled seashell-shaped cochlea. Tiny hair cells on the cochlea act as tiny receptors and transform sound waves into electric pulses the brain can understand. Sadly, we only have a limited number of these hair cells and they can’t regrow. They can be damaged by age, disease or exposure to loud noise. It is essential to protect them no matter your age.
How to protect your hearing
There are some steps you can take to protect your hearing:
- Avoid exposure o loud noises
- Keep the volume down on your devices
- Wear ear protection in noisy environments
- Reduce the time you wear headphones
A regular hearing test will also protect your ears. It will catch any hearing loss at an early stage, making it easier to track and treat.
Why is a hearing test so important?
Left untreated, hearing loss can affect mental and physical health and have a big impact on everyday life. Studies have shown that adults with hearing loss have a greater risk of developing dementia and cognitive abilities including memory and concentration decline faster in adults with hearing loss than in older adults with normal hearing.
Hearing aids are not the only treatment for hearing loss. Following a hearing check, a range of management options may be discussed including communication strategies, assistive listening devices and phone apps.
Book your hearing test today either by calling us on 1300 787 792 or pop in and visit us in person at 321 Main Street, Lilydale or email us at admin@hearsmart.com.au