How Is Your Hearing This Christmas?

If you or a family member have or are developing an unrealised hearing problem, social get togethers may finally bring this to your attention.

 

This time of year audiology tests and hearing implements sales leap. This is because gradual hearing loss through the year may not be noticed until in the midst of family celebrations.

 

Hearing loss can also happen at any age despite its associations with the elderly.

 

Very young children and toddlers despite being tested at birth can also develop hearing problems. Clumsiness, accidents, poor speech development and unresponsiveness in one or both ears can be more than temper tantrums, and learning to walk.

 

Head of Audiology at Siemens Hearing Instruments Wendy Davies said: “Watching the Christmas day movie at full volume, constant repetition of conversations around the dinner table and not hearing the rustlings of wrapping paper are early warning signs that a family member may have a mild or moderate hearing loss.

 

“If hearing issues are not addressed early enough speech problems can start to develop as the repetition of sounds start to deteriorate, plus social confidence can be knocked and people start to withdraw into themselves.  This can then take its toll on an individual in working and social situations.”

 

 

Other warning signs to look out for include:

*  Giving the wrong answers to questions

*  Ignoring people

* Constantly saying ‘what’ or ‘pardon’

* Loud volumes on television or radio

* Difficulty in following conversations where there is background music

* Character changes such as isolation and withdrawal from social interaction

* Not hearing the telephone or doorbell ringing

 

If you or a family member notice a potential hearing problem, the best thing to do is to visit your GP, or arrange a hearing test at a high street facility.