Information

The Tell-Tale Signs of Hearing Loss

Consult an audiologist if the following signs occur:

  • You feel people tend to mumble or speak more softly than they used to.
  • You frequently need to ask people to repeat themselves.
  • You miss key words in sentences when talking in noisy surroundings.
  • You have to turn up the volume on your TV or radio.
  • You have difficulty hearing when talking on the phone.
  • Your family or friends have suggested having your hearing checked.

Facts about hearing loss

  • 300 million people are afflicted by hearing loss world-wide.
  • 900 million people will have hearing loss by the year 2025, due to the ageing population.
  • 75% of Australians over the age of 71, have significant hearing loss.
  • Fewer than 33% of those who could benefit from a hearing aid actually use one.
  • 1% of children in the industrialized world and 4% in the developing world suffer hearing loss.
  • Industrial noise above 80 decibels during an eight-hour workday is considered hazardous.
  • A live rock concert may have a volume of 110dB SPL, risking hearing damage within minutes.
  • 15-20% of workers in the industrialized world are regularly exposed to noise levels above 80 dB SPL, which is the threshold for hearing impairment.

Hints for speaking to someone with a hearing loss

Patience is the key, it can be very frustrating from both ends.

Click here to download information about communicating with people who have hearing loss