class = “sc-cffd1e67-0 fmXrkB”>
Many people know this: They get the feeling that they can’t hear that well anymore and have to ask the person they’re talking to. Is it a cause for concern? “Hearing loss can have various causes,” says hearing aid acoustician Lars Szvircsev from Amplifon. “It may be hereditary or may occur due to external factors.”
One in every twelve people in this country is hearing impaired. This is shown by the Swiss health survey conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). This rate increases significantly with age: among people over 75, a third of those surveyed say they have severe hearing impairment. It is assumed that this value is much higher throughout Switzerland because many people do not want to admit that they have hearing loss.
There may also be completely harmless and temporary causes of hearing loss. These include blocked ear canals due to earwax. A middle ear infection can also temporarily cause problems with hearing quality. Hearing loss caused by excessive earwax can be resolved if the ears are cleaned by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor). Hearing loss caused by middle ear infection can disappear with recovery.
Beware of very loud music
On the other hand, wear and tear of the hairy sensory cells in the inner ear, which is a completely natural and common result of the aging process, can lead to permanent hearing problems. Additionally, diseases or accidents that cause traumatic brain injury can also cause permanent hearing loss. Work noise or loud music can also cause serious damage. “Hearing can be damaged primarily by very high sound levels, but also by exposure to noise for too long,” says Lars Szvircsev. “Even exposure to 80 decibels over a long period of time can permanently impair hearing. Even short intervals at 100 decibels are sufficient.”
Therefore, he recommends taking care of the hearing organ and giving it time to heal. Protect your ears accordingly when exposed to noise. “Good hearing protection helps protect your hearing from permanent damage in the long term, such as tinnitus, sudden hearing loss, loud noise trauma or hearing loss,” says the expert. It is also recommended not to exceed 80 decibels when listening to music with headphones. For example, many smartphones have a function that allows you to control the volume of the headphones.
Get your hearing checked
The best way to check if your own hearing system is still working well enough is to take a hearing test (see box). Individual hearing counseling will then be provided. If hearing loss is diagnosed, several possible solutions are offered because: As Lars Szvircsev says, “It is important that hearing loss is treated as early as possible.” “Otherwise the brain can essentially forget how to hear properly.” This is because when hearing loss occurs, the nerves responsible for hearing get used to the fact that they are no longer needed and literally stop working.
This can have far-reaching health and psychological consequences. “It has been scientifically proven several times that people with hearing difficulties are at a much higher risk of suffering from social isolation if they do not treat their hearing loss, that is, if they do not wear hearing aids,” says hearing aid acoustician Szvircsev. “Depression and dementia can also be consequences of untreated hearing loss.”
Poor hearing is stigmatized
Despite all these results, the specialist knows that many people are afraid of hearing examinations. The reason: The stigma of hearing impairment is still firmly entrenched in society; Most of the time it stems from ignorance and fear. Hearing problems are often seen as a weakness and associated with “aging.” “Others ignore hearing problems with the excuse that you don’t have to hear everything all the time, for example.”
However, sometimes the affected person does not even notice the hearing loss himself; because it usually develops slowly. In these cases, it is important for the social circle to call out the affected person about their hearing loss. You shouldn’t avoid it, but sensitive and supportive behavior is important, according to a hearing aid acoustician. For example, by encouraging the person to take a non-binding hearing test and also helping them make an appointment.
“Hearing aids are not much different from headphones”
So when are hearing aids necessary? The expert says it depends on the severity of the hearing loss (see box above). More precisely, the associated effects on quality of life. Basically, the sooner a hearing aid is used, the better. “Starting to use hearing aids early can help slow or stabilize hearing loss,” says Szvircsev. Additionally, the time required to get used to it will be shorter. For example, at Amplifon, selected hearing aids can be tested without any obligation. “At home, during work, during free time, in quiet moments or in noisy environments,” explains the expert. “If the hearing system has proven itself in every situation and is optimally adjusted, you can be sure that you have found the right device.”
The reservations about hearing aids that some people still have today are unfounded. “The still prevalent image of large, heavy and uncomfortable hearing aids is long outdated. Modern hearing aids are actually small technological miracles in the smallest spaces. Models are becoming smaller, more comfortable, simpler and more powerful. Some are even almost invisible.” Some are almost indistinguishable from everyday headphones. There are also models that can be connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth and controlled via an app. “You can even make phone calls and listen to music through the hearing aid.”
Source : Blick
I am Dawid Malan, a news reporter for 24 Instant News. I specialize in celebrity and entertainment news, writing stories that capture the attention of readers from all walks of life. My work has been featured in some of the world’s leading publications and I am passionate about delivering quality content to my readers.
