Incidence Hearing Loss
Hearing loss has virtually no symptoms in its early stages. It also usually progresses slowly.
By the time many people have their hearing tested, they will already have a mild to moderate level of hearing loss. But the good news for you is, when detected, hearing loss can be easily and effectively managed. Your best chance of early detection is having a hearing test.
In Australia, one in six people have a hearing loss. However, the incidence of hearing loss rises sharply to three in every four people aged over 70 years. With an ageing population, hearing loss is projected to increase to one in every four Australians by 2050.
Globally, there are an estimated 360 million people with disabling hearing loss (5.3% of the world’s population). 328 million (91%) of these are adults and 32 million (9%) of these are children.
Why treat hearing loss
We live in a conscious listening world, connected in space and time to the physical world around us and connected in understanding to each other. Hearing loss, left untreated, makes the mental process of listening harder than it should be. It also leaves us feeling lost and disconnected from the world and the people around us.
When we understand the importance of feeling present and connected to the people around us, we come to realise that treating hearing loss is not simply about hearing better. It’s much more than that. That’s why treating hearing loss is vital, not just in some people, but in all people (young and old) living with hearing loss.
3 Steps To Better Hearing
Hearing loss should be treated like any other health problem. Put simply, we want you to be proactive and not reactive when it comes to your hearing. If you have hearing problems, here are 3 simple steps to better hearing.
Book a hearing test. In our experience, people vary greatly in their ability to self-diagnose their hearing loss. The vast majority of people greatly underestimate the level of their hearing loss – and the reason is simple. If your hearing slowly changes over time, you won’t notice it changing much. A professional hearing test in a sound proof booth with calibrated equipment will give an accurate and objective measure of your hearing ability.
Take action! For many people with hearing loss, this is where they come unstuck – instead of taking action, they make excuses and delay action, all the while continuing to struggle with their hearing. Lives are improved when people decide to be proactive, rather than reactive.
Be consistent. Daily, consistent use of hearing aids results in better comfort and better outcomes. When people use their hearing aids consistently, they become a normal, everyday part of life. People tell us they feel more confident, relaxed and happier in social environments. Families tell us of their relief (and joy!) in being able to speak without repeats and experience a greater sense of connection.
At Alpha Hearing, we believe you need an audiologist who cares about you and takes the time to get to know you. We think helping you with your hearing is a lifetime commitment. We are confident we can deliver amazing outcomes that will leave you feeling delighted. You can trust us with your hearing health. That is our promise.