March is Hearing Awareness Month and while some folk may dismiss it as irrelevant to them, seniors know that, in many instances, ageing is accompanied by a measure of hearing loss.
That decline in hearing can be devastating – we rely on hearing for most things in life such as talking to each other, listening to music, TV, radio and, yes, modern podcasts. We need our hearing to discern traffic noise, alarms, appliance use, a knock on the door, and so much more. Without our hearing, we can become increasingly isolated.
Furthermore, it seems that about one in six New Zealanders suffer some degree of hearing loss and this can be challenging including to those close to us. Starting a conversation about hearing loss isn’t easy either. Reactions can be mixed and many are apt to deny just how severe their hearing loss may be.
Of course, there are steps one can take to help prevent or forestall hearing loss. For example:
- Avoid or limit exposure to excessively loud sounds.
- Turn down the volume of music systems.
- Move away from the source of loud sounds when possible.
- Use hearing protection devices when using high noise equipment or it is not feasible to avoid exposure to loud sounds by reducing them to a safe level.
However, once hearing loss is established, and is becoming problematic, it is time for a full clinical hearing test which may result in the need for hearing aids.
Fortunately, today’s hearing aids are discreet and offer various options. But most importantly, they can make a huge difference to one’s ability to communicate and socialise.
Even if experiencing mild hearing lost, March being Hearing Awareness Month is an ideal time to have a comprehensive check, learn what is best for you and discover what government grants or assistance is available if hearing aids are recommended.
Preserving one’s hearing should be a priority – being cut off from life is no fun!
