Tag: WHO

Hearing Loss Is For Young People Too

Hearing loss affects people at any age. It is an invisible disability that gradually progresses over time and if not treated can lead to several different medical conditions such as anxiety, depression, social isolation and relationship breakdowns ( Hearing loss)
The National Campaign for Better Hearing helps to spread the awareness of hearing loss prevention for those 60 years of age and older They invite Canadians to get a simple baseline test with the hope of reassessment in future years. In Canada, over 3 million people suffer from hearing loss which is approximately 1 in every 10 Canadians. (www.helpmehear.ca)
But what about the younger population, those under the age of 55?
Should younger folk be tested too?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) “less than 1 billion young people ages 12 to 35 are at risk of hearing loss due to recreational exposure to loud sounds.” They agree that prevention starts by getting tested for hearing loss by a registered Audiologist or a certified Hearing Instrument Specialist. And of course, turning down the noise.
Now, what about those 36 to 59 years of age, should they be tested too?
The answer is yes. Millions of people globally are living with hearing loss and some don’t know it. Sometimes the signs of hearing loss are so subtle they can easily be ignored. Some signs may include:
• Asking people to repeat
• Difficulty hearing in background noise
• Ringing in the ear
• Turning up the TV or radio very loud where others complain
To list a few.
But what if there are no real signs of hearing loss?
What can be done?
Simply get a baseline test which is complimentary as part of a holistic health regime and if there is no hearing loss you can be screened annually or biannually as part of preventative measures.
Remember hearing loss affects people of all ages, cultures and status.
Get tested today

-Jem (Hearing Instrument Specialist)