A hearing loss is more than the inability to hear loudly enough. People with a hearing loss often experience difficulty hearing and locating a sound source, and may also have a discrimination loss, struggling to tell words apart even when they are fairly loud. They can hear the words but fail to understand the spoken message.
The key to hearing better for longer is keeping the hearing mechanism active. New studies show a significant link between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline, with even mild losses nearly doubling the likelihood of developing dementia. Using hearing aids, even for a minimal loss, helps keep the auditory system stimulated.
At serious condition that occurs when the auditory nerve and other areas of the brain responsible for processing and interpreting sound are deprived of sound and begins to atrophy or weakens further.
In addition, new studies have shown a significant link between untreated hearing loss and dementia. Even individuals with mild hearing losses are nearly twice as likely to develop dementia compared to those with normal hearing.
Therefore, the key to hearing better for longer is keeping the hearing mechanism active. One way to do this is to use hearing aids – even if the hearing loss is minimal.
FAQs
Early signs often include finding that speech sounds muffled, struggling to follow conversation in background noise, frequently asking people to repeat themselves, and turning up the television. Many people also begin to withdraw from social situations because listening has become tiring. If any of these sound familiar, it is worth having a diagnostic hearing test.
The most common cause is the natural deterioration of hearing with age, but frequent exposure to loud noise can damage hearing at any age. Hearing loss can also result from infections, head injury, untreated diabetes or hypertension, certain cancer treatments and some medications.
Many types of hearing loss can be managed effectively. Some conductive losses can be resolved with medical treatment. Where the loss is sensorineural and permanent, hearing aids help most people hear better, and around 95% of people with a sensorineural loss can be helped.
Leaving a hearing loss untreated can affect your relationships, mood, memory and safety, and new research links untreated hearing loss to a higher likelihood of cognitive decline. Keeping the hearing mechanism active, often with hearing aids, helps protect your long-term wellbeing.
Many South African medical aids contribute towards diagnostic hearing assessments, and some plans offer a benefit towards hearing aids, but cover varies by scheme and plan. We recommend confirming your available benefits with your medical aid before your appointment.
