South Africans of all ages can experience hearing loss, and the early signs are often so subtle that a person may not recognise the gradual deterioration, which can have profound consequences if left untreated.
“If you find yourself or a loved one having difficulty hearing in noisy environments, in group conversations, over the phone, or if the volume on the TV is generally being turned up louder than before, these are among the most common early signs of hearing loss,” says Mikela van Kerkhof, an audiologist practising at Netcare Mulbarton Hospital.
“Another common symptom of hearing loss is a ringing or buzzing in the ears, and certain frequencies of sound might be harder to hear. Often, friends and family will pick up that their loved one frequently mishears or asks them to repeat themselves,” she says.
Although most hearing loss is gradual, Van Kerkhof warns that sudden loss of hearing should always be considered a medical emergency, requiring immediate assessment.
The quality of our auditory perception has far-reaching implications for our physical health, as well as our ability to communicate, interact socially and make sense of the world around us. It’s important to spot the signs of hearing loss early because it can often be addressed, and we can help slow the progression or prevent it from worsening. In the majority of cases, audiology assessments can provide reassurance by ruling out ear-related pathologies or provide crucial early detection and referral for treatment where needed.
In rarer cases, audiologists may detect underlying conditions that may require surgical intervention such as acoustic neuromas or tumours that can interfere with hearing, abnormal growth of bone in the inner ear known as otosclerosis, as well as chronic ear infections or a collection of dead cells deep within the ear called cholesteatomas, which may need to be surgically removed.
Link to cognitive decline
“Undetected or untreated, hearing loss can increase a person’s overall health risk, with clear links to accelerating cognitive decline. Cognitive function suffers as the brain deteriorates from a lack of auditory input, and social wellbeing is affected as people withdraw from situations because of their communication difficulties, leading to loneliness, anxiety, and depression,” Van Kerkhof warns.
Hearing loss presents differently in younger adults and older people, with progression and the affected frequencies being key distinctions between the age groups in most cases.
“The signs of hearing loss often progress slowly, and it may not be obvious at first that a person is losing their ability to hear clearly. Annual hearing tests with an audiologist are therefore recommended for people of all ages to monitor hearing thresholds and identify hearing loss as soon as possible.”
Talk about it
Van Kerkhof points out that it is very common for loved ones to be reluctant to acknowledge or address their hearing difficulties.
“Family members are often best placed to help the person address the issue with patience, empathy and honest communication. We find that focusing on how quality of life can be improved, rather than on the condition itself, can help individuals feel more open to having their hearing tested and possibly to getting hearing aids,” she suggests.
There have been significant advances in hearing aids and assistive technology, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI), enhanced wireless connectivity, and the incorporation of health and wellness monitoring features, which are continuously improving the options available to those experiencing hearing loss.
“We should also be having conversations about preventing harm. One of the most common, yet often overlooked, causes of hearing loss is noise exposure, such as from headphones or earbuds, loud household appliances, or in the workplace,” she warns.
What is ‘too loud’?
For noise exposure, ‘too loud’ is generally considered to be anything at or above 85 decibels (dB) for a prolonged period or with repeated exposure, comparable to the noise of heavy traffic or a loud vacuum cleaner. This level of noise exposure can cause both temporary and permanent hearing loss, depending on the duration of exposure.
“Sounds at or below 70 dB, equivalent to those of a conventional washing machine or dishwasher, are considered safe, even with prolonged exposure. The key principle is that the louder the sound, the shorter the safe exposure time,” Van Kerkhof explains.
Where exposure cannot be avoided, she recommends using custom-made hearing protection devices in noisy environments.
Safer sounds
Van Kerkhof recommends the following tips for younger people to protect their hearing when using earbuds or headphones:
- Listen at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time
- Use noise-cancelling headphones to avoid turning up the volume in noisy environments
- Take regular breaks from using headphones to give your ears time to rest
- When possible, use over-ear headphones rather than earbuds, as they generally deliver sound more safely
“Taking care of your hearing now can make an enormous difference to your future quality of life. There is so much that can be done to assist before hearing loss has a chance to progress further,” she concludes.
Conveniently book an appointment with an audiologist at a Netcare facility near you on the Netcare App or by calling the Appointmed service on 0860 5555 65.
Ends.
Notes to editors
Experience seamless healthcare access with the Netcare app. Enjoy convenient healthcare anytime, anywhere, with expert medical care at your fingertips. Book appointments, consult with GPs virtually and manage pre-admissions all in one place. From emergency response services with geolocation to seamless admission, discover a new level of care. Download the Netcare app today.
Alternatively, contact Netcare appointmedTM on 0860 555 565, Mondays to Fridays, 08:00 to 17:00, or via the Netcare app to make an appointment with a therapist, doctor or specialist practising at a Netcare hospital, Netcare Medicross or Netcare Akeso facility near you.
For media enquiries, please contact MNA at the contact details listed below:
Issued by: MNA on behalf of Netcare Mulbarton Hospital
For media enquiries Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville, Estene Lotriet-Vorster,
contact: Clementine Forsthofer or Natasha Burger
Telephone: 011 469 3016
Email: [email protected]