In the UK, around one person in six is deaf or hard of hearing.
The most common cause of hearing loss is ageing. Nearly 42% of those over the age of 50 and 70% of those over the age of 70 have some form of hearing loss. Age-related hearing loss normally begins at around 50. But it’s not just older people who are affected.
Young people are at risk of losing their hearing due to the popularity of iPods, mobile phones and any personal players that involve use of headphones. Very loud music in pubs, clubs and concerts also contribute to hearing loss or even cause tinnitus (a constant ringing noise in one or both ears).
As the 8th – 14th February is officially Tinnitus Awareness Week in the UK, we’re helping to raise awareness of those living with hearing loss and provide information on the equipment available to help make their daily routines a little easier.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
Hearing loss is sometimes sudden, but often it's gradual and you may not notice it at first. Being aware of the early signs can help you identify the problem quickly. You may recognize signs of hearing loss in someone else before they notice it themselves.
It's important to spot hearing loss as soon as possible, because treatment is often more beneficial if started early. If you wake up with a sudden loss of hearing in one ear or lose the hearing in one ear within a couple of days, you should see your GP as soon as possible.
Signs of hearing loss can include:
- difficulty hearing other people clearly and misunderstanding what they say, especially in group situations
- asking people to repeat themselves
- listening to music or watching television with the volume higher than other people need
- difficulty hearing the telephone or doorbell
- finding it difficult to tell which direction noise is coming from
- regularly feeling tired or stressed, from having to concentrate while listening
If you also hear a ringing, buzzing or whistling sound in your ears, this could be a sign of tinnitus which is often associated with hearing loss.
Signs of hearing loss in babies
Babies are routinely screened within the first few weeks of their birth as part of the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme (NHSP). However, there are signs you can look out for which may suggest you should see your GP to arrange another hearing test.
You should consider seeing your GP if you notice that your baby or toddler:
- isn't startled by loud noises
- doesn't turn towards the source of a sound while under four months old
- doesn't say single words by the time they're one year old
- notices you when they see you, but not when you call their name
- hears some sounds but not others
Signs of hearing loss in children
You should consider seeing your GP if you notice that your child:
- is slow to learn to talk, or they're not clear when they speak
- often asks you to repeat yourself or responds inappropriately to a question
- doesn't reply when you call them
- often talks very loudly
- often turns up the volume of the TV so it's very loud
- watches other people to copy instructions, because they haven't heard
What are the different levels of hearing loss?
Very few people with hearing loss hear nothing at all. There are four different levels of hearing loss.
- Mild deafness – this can sometimes make hearing speech difficult, particularly in noisy situations.
- Moderate deafness – you may have difficulty following speech without using a hearing aid and find it difficult to hear announcements, for example.
- Severe deafness – people who are severely deaf usually need to lip-read or use sign language, even with the use of a hearing aid.
- Profound deafness – people who are profoundly deaf can benefit from a cochlear implant. Other forms of communication include lip reading and British sign language.
What products can help make daily living easier?
If you or someone you know is deaf or has hearing loss there are many innovative products available. NRS Healthcare can provide many clever devices to help you maintain your independence and carry on doing all the things you love.
Amplified Telephones and Mobiles
- For people with a hearing impairment these telephones, for example the Geemarc CL100 Big Button Telephone, have adjustable receiving volume and tone control and increased ringer volume function. They are hearing aid compatible for users with a T setting.
- Users can also use the Telephone volume booster placed directly on the telephone handset.
- Mobile telephones like the CL8500 Amplified Clamshell Smart Phone are hearing aid compatible with extra loud adjustable ring tone and handset volume.
Listening Devices
- Listening devices such as the Loophear 600 Room Loop Amplifier transmit sound directly to the hearing aid unit enabling the user to listen to devices such as TV and music players without changing the volume for other family members.
Flashing Doorbells and Telephone Alerters
Vibrating Alarm Clocks
- These alarm clocks such as the Wake ‘n’ Shake Alarm Clock have very loud alarms with adjustable tone and volume, shaker vibrating pads and optional flashing alarms.
Visual Reminders
- Reminder prompts such as the MemRabel 2 Care Aid can be programmed to display visual prompts at set times to remind the user of daily tasks or appointments. They can be set to display words, pictures or videos.
Other Organizations that can help