Pardon Me?

Newcastle Herald

Monday September 1, 2008

HUNTER NEW ENGLAND HEALTH

SORRY what did you say?

Imagine living in a world without being able to hear the words "I love you" from your children, wife or husband.

Deafness Forum of Australia says for 3.55 million Australians who suffer from hearing loss, living in a world without some of the most important sounds in life is a reality.

Hearing loss is more common than cardiovascular disease and diabetes. More than half the population aged between 60 and 70 have a hearing impairment, with indigenous Australians 10 times more likely to experience ear disease than others.

Deafness Forum Australia says the condition costs the Australian economy an estimated $11.75 billion a year.

Senior audiologist at John Hunter Hospital Sue Slack said living with hearing loss could be a lonely world, people suffering from the condition could lose confidence, feel depressed and isolated.

There are a number of social implications for people living with hearing loss.

"People need to be aware they can damage their hearing by listening to loud sounds or being exposed to noise that can damage sensitive inner ear structures," she said.

"Once inner-ear hearing is damaged it will never return to what it was. Hearing aids and cochlear implants cannot restore hearing but can give limited benefits depending on the degree and type of loss."

Men have a higher incidence of hearing loss than women, mainly due to the level of noise exposure found in the industrial workplace.

One of the more common problems associated with hearing impairment is tinnitus. This is the presence of a ringing or buzzing noise in the ears.

"Noise-induced hearing loss is easily preventable simply by not exposing your ears to excessive noise and by wearing earplugs or earmuffs when using machinery," Ms Slack said

"Protecting your children's hearing is also very important, so parents should make sure their child or teenager is listening to a safe level of music on their MP3 player or Ipod."

A small or moderate amount of noise can be enjoyable or stimulating, while exposure to an excessive amount of noise can cause irreparable damage.

If your ears ring after being exposed to noise, that is often a good indication that the noise level was excessive.

If you suffer from a hearing loss don't be afraid to let people know, as communication is a two-way process.

Often others won't realise when they are speaking to someone with a hearing impairment.

Don't be afraid to explain you are hard of hearing or hearing impaired and ask them to face you and speak clearly.

"We should all adopt sensible practices at work and home. Prevention is definitely better than cure for this type of deafness," Ms Slack said.

For more information go to: www.hearingawarenessweek.org.au

Article submitted by Hunter New England Health.