Hearing loss and everyday life
Although hearing impediments are common—with one in six Australians suffering from a hearing impairment, deafness or ear disorder—some of us are unaware of the not-so-physical effects. After reading through some real-life experiences posted on the Deafness Forum of Australia, it becomes quite apparent that hearing loss impacts heavily on the everyday lives of people who suffer with it.
“I have a master’s degree. I also have post-graduate and other qualifications. I remember going to Centrelink and the first thing they said to me, “We have got a great job for you, cleaning the aisles of Woolworths because that would suit as you don’t have to talk to people.”
“To improve on the aids I use to hear, the money will have to come out of my mortgage. Looking down the future I am wondering how I am ever going to pay the mortgage off, if it’s always up to me to fund expensive technologies which I am grateful for because I can then participate in the work force.”
Types of hearing loss
There are three main types of hearing loss. These are:
Conductive – sound is unable to pass from your outer to inner ear. This is usually due to blockages caused by earwax, glue ear or a build-up of fluid due to an ear infection, a perforated ear drum or a disorder of the hearing bones.
Sensorineural – sensitive hair cells inside the ear are damaged either naturally through ageing, or through injury.
Mixed – both of the above types can occur at the same time.
The level of hearing loss can vary from mild to profound. To determine the strength of your hearing, it is best to book in with you local clinic for a hearing test. If you want some insight into what you’re putting your ears through on an everyday basis, check out this noise simulator.
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