Symptoms

Symptoms of a hearing loss can start slowly at first. You may not always be aware that the difficulty you have with understanding the television, even with the sound turned up, might mean that you actually possess some kind of hearing loss.

You may also find yourself second guessing what you have heard during a conversation with friends, family or work colleagues. For most, this may be because you've just exposed your ears to a very loud environmental noise, such as a pneumatic drill, or a rock concert, or the wonders of your iPod. 

For others, greater sensitivity to environmental noise and loud, unexpected sounds, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) are foreshadowing the development of a hearing loss.

Consider the Information Age

In the 21st century, with the sheer amount of information flying around us, many of us find it is much easier to know what is going on by using email, writing notes or having people repeat themselves a few times. It is completely normal to want things written down to make life easier, and jumping in fright with loud environmental noises isn't always the sound of doom.

However, second guessing yourself becomes a problem when every conversation or exchange becomes too much for you to handle on a daily basis. If you undergo stress, anxiety, overwhelming tiredness or crankiness simply by trying to communicate, think about getting some longer term assistance and work out how you will act.

Visit Your Audiologist

If developing symptoms sounds like you, the first step is to get a hearing test with your GP or audiologist to confirm what is going on.

An audiologist is much like a GP in how they can help you and your family. They can provide a diagnosis, advice, information and assistance to you with what your options are next - particularly if you need to get a hearing aid to keep living the lifestyle you cherish.

The second step, is to equip yourself with information on how to manage your hearing loss over the long-term. This approach is practical and is much like managing a change in diet or embarking on a new exercise program. 

The third step is to adjust fully to your new way of hearing and knowing what is going on, and proceed with your life confidently, having made the changes necessary to feel calm, in control and able to life life happily.

Get Your Friends and Family Involved

Work with your family and friends to help you feel comfortable and unembarrassed about asking people to repeat themselves.

Advise them your hearing has changed. Be prepared to remind them they need to let you know they are talking to you - particularly when doing common daily chores, such as if they are standing behind you when getting the groceries from the car; or have called for your attention from another room in the house and wondered why you didn't answer.

Maintain Perspective

Take it easy on yourself and maintain some perspective. Some environments make it hard for everyone, particularly if it is noisy - such as large shopping centre, busy train station or large party.

Bear in mind that the people around you without a hearing loss may also be finding that environment tricky, so you can ask them to repeat themselves, move to a spot where the lighting is better, or find a quieter corner to continue your conversation. Sometimes, you might need to just make a date to catch up another time, and pick a location which will really work well for you.

Seek Help

If you are struggling or think "its just not working", make an appointment with your audiologist, GP or a counsellor, to work through the issue at hand and come up with long-term solutions.

At Work

At work, have a word with your direct boss or supervisor to keep them aware of the change in your hearing.

This will enable them to adjust how they communicate with you in meetings, if need be, and to better accommodate mis-communication of instructions or directions that otherwise would be baffling for them.

Where you need to follow up on items at a meeting, ask the relevant person to email you with a recap of the conversation, and confirm with them the basic information, such as: places, dates or times.

If you are at work, like at an industrial workplace, you could have a sign on the wall giving communication tips, in the lunchroom. This will help to remind colleagues that everyone in that environment may need a helping hand with their communication, whether they are hearing impaired or not.

Working in an office and using email is an advantage - you can encourage people to use the office fax number, your email address, SMS via mobile, or you can get an adjusted work phone installed and utilise the National Relay Service.

Getting a Hearing Aid

There are several types and styles of hearing aids on the market. Your audiologist is the first port of call to recommend a particular one which will best suit your type of hearing loss.

In the industry, there are two main types of hearing aids:

• In the ear (ITE)
• Behind the ear (BTE)

In the ear hearing aids can either be:

• In the canal
• Completely in the canal

There are also body worn hearing aids and other special purpose aids which may be appropriate for some people. Your audiologist can provide more detail.

Considerations

It is important to purchase a hearing aid that is right for your hearing loss and one that you can manage easily. It is no good purchasing a tiny in-the-ear hearing aid if you have arthritis, as you would most likely be unable to adjust it yourself.

If the hearing aid is not suitable for your hearing loss, then it will not effectively help you to hear better and understand what is being said by others. Hearing aids are often purchased and then put in the drawer because people are not happy with them - don't let this be you!

Budget is a consideration, but consider everything - don't just purchase a hearing aid because it is cheaper or it looks better than other brands. Rather, consider it an investment like a new car or overseas holiday - put in a bit of planning and think about what you actually need. 

What To Do

Before you go to an audiologist to request a hearing aid, think about your lifestyle and where your hearing needs are most important.

Make a list to help the audiologist address your needs. This list should outline what is important to you with your hearing. 

For example, John Smith's list was:

1. A hearing aid to help him enjoy music better. 
2. Likes live theatre, and wants to understand what the players are saying when he goes to shows with his girlfriend.
3. Is a teacher by profession, and needs to hear children's voices more clearly, so he can do his job. 

This list will assist the audiologist when determining the most suitable hearing aid for you, and help you clarify what you want from the device. In addition, the list can be updated as your needs change, your lifestyle changes, or you find yourself in a different line of work or situation.

More information on Cochlear Implants will be provided soon.