Types Of Hearing Loss

There are several types of hearing loss however the most common are:

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  Noise induced hearing loss
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  Sensorineural hearing loss
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  Presbycusis or age-related hearing loss
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  Conductive hearing loss

Symptoms Of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is usually noticed by people who you live with or associate with on a regular basis. If you are regularly asking your husband/wife/partner if you could have the TV up louder than you would normally have. Take notice of how often you are asking for repeats. Often you are the last person to realise that you are not hearing as you used to. Family members might say things like:

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  "You need to get your hearing checked"
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  "That's not what I said"
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  "I have already told you that"
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  "That is the third time I have told you"

The cause of hearing loss is due to any number of factors, age and exposure to loud noise are more common causes however after the age of 60 most people will experience hearing loss and the number of people suffering hearing loss increases as you get older. Many people wait more than 10 years on average after being diagnosed with hearing loss before they consider hearing aids.

Implications Of Hearing Loss

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  Reduced quality of life and well-being
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  Depression and isolation due to losing confidence in what is said and possibly answering inappropriately which then leads to embarrassment
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  Headaches due to the effort required to follow conversations when background noise is present
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  Muscle tension
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  Fatigue
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  Impaired memory

If you recognise any of these factors and can relate to them, it may be time to have your hearing checked.  Often knowing the signs is the first step, and a simple hearing health check could be the answer.