Don't Let Hearing Loss Go Unnoticed!

Why?

• Early treatment of hearing loss may avoid any potential effect on the brain’s sound processing.
• Hearing tests can show up pre-existing hearing conditions, alerting you to one or more associated medical conditions. For example, identifying and treating health problems like high blood pressure, which can be linked to tinnitus, may help to relieve any issues with hearing loss or future damage to the structures of the ear.
• The earlier an audiologist can identify any issues through a hearing test, the easier the hearing loss is to treat. Treating problems when they first arise can prevent long-term and permanent damage to your hearing.
• Regular hearing tests with an audiologist can identify changes in your hearing levels over time. These may be difficult for you to notice as most changes are small.  
• A regular hearing test will help avoid feelings of distress, frustration, anger, embarrassment, inferiority, shame, loss of identity, rejection, and loneliness caused by untreated hearing loss.

To reduce your risk of hearing loss:

• Keep the volume of music, TV, and radio down — you should be able to easily understand someone talking one metre away.
• If you use headphones or earphones, keep the volume down. It shouldn’t be loud enough for someone next to you to hear.
• Wear earplugs or ear protection equipment, in noisy workplaces and for noisy activities, such as mowing the lawn.
• Take breaks from loud environments if you can.
• If you can, use headphones or earphones that block background noise.
• At clubs, live music events and other loud places, wear earplugs. Take frequent breaks and stand further away from the speakers.
• Be aware of the signs that your hearing may be changing and get tested.

Source: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au

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