By Tadeo Andi
Hearing loss is a prevalent issue brought on by exposure to loud noise, aging, sickness, or even genetics. Hearing loss can make it challenging for a person to participate in conversations with their loved ones and friends. They might also have problems comprehending their doctor’s recommendations, reacting appropriately to cautions, having trouble traveling, and hearing doorbells and sirens.
Hearing loss is diagnosed when an individual’s hearing thresholds are 20 decibels or below in at least one ear, while normal hearing requires hearing thresholds of at least 20 decibels in both ears. Hearing loss can range from mild to severe, all the way up to profound. It can impact only one ear or both ears, and the result is a loss of hearing in loud sounds or a speech at average volumes.
“Hard of hearing” refers to people who have a hearing loss that can range from mild to severe. People who have trouble hearing usually talk to each other in person and may benefit from hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other aids, in addition to captions in media presentations.
People who are classified as “deaf” typically have substantial hearing loss, which means they have little to no hearing. They frequently communicate with one another through the use of sign language.
Categories of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a condition that can affect people of any age and is induced by various circumstances. Hearing impairment can be broken down into three primary categories: sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss. Patients should know the following information for each category:
- Sensorineural
This hearing loss is caused by injury to the inner ear or the hearing nerve. This loss of hearing is typically brought on by the destruction of a few of the hair cells within the cochlea.
The most prevalent form of hearing loss is called sensorineural hearing loss. It is possible that aging, prolonged contact with loud noises, injury, disease, the use of particular medicines, or a genetic condition could cause it. Hearing aids can be helpful for some individuals who have this sort of hearing loss, although the hearing loss that they have cannot typically be treated by medicine or surgery.
- Conductive
When sound waves cannot travel through to the inner ear, a condition known as sensorineural hearing loss occurs. This condition can affect either the outer or the middle ear. Earwax or an object lodged in the ear canal may prevent sound from reaching the eardrum. The middle ear space could also be blocked by fluid, an infection, or a problem with the bones.
Hearing loss caused by conductivity can be reversed in certain patients through medical treatment or surgical procedures. Conductive hearing loss is most prevalent in youngsters, particularly those who have had multiple episodes of ear infections or who have placed foreign items in their ear canal.
- Mixed
Frequently, both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss can coexist in the same individual. They may initially have sensorineural hearing loss and eventually acquire a conductive component.
Hearing testing is essential for identifying the precise nature of your hearing loss and determining the appropriate hearing care solution. Hearing aids are available in numerous sizes, designs, and technological configurations. With that said, book a hearing test today to learn how to manage and live with deafness or hearing loss.
Travelling With Hearing Loss: Helpful Hints
Hearing loss can make travelling challenging. If you have a communication problem and hearing loss, it can be difficult to converse with personnel and fellow travellers. There is a chance of missing notifications due to inaudibility. Here are some of the best travel recommendations for individuals with hearing loss.
Prepare Beforehand
Inquire about hearing-loss-friendly lodgings before making a hotel reservation. Popular tourist destinations offer a large number of hotels that are accessible to those with hearing impairments. Flashing lights for the phone and the door may also be included in these amenities. If you are using a tour operator, let them know what you need so they can make the right reservations for you.
You should conduct some research before you leave. Acquire a working knowledge of the area’s people, places, and things by learning their names. As a result, you’ll have an easier time recognising them if they use these names.
Pack Accordingly
A trip’s most hectic portion, packing, may become even more so for somebody with hearing loss. Maintaining your hearing aids should not be stressful, so develop a list of everything you’ll need to do so.
Additional tubing, remotes, chargers, and a voltage/plug converter could also be included in this list. Remember that it’s best to always bring anything with you when travelling, especially if you’re uncertain about something. Being prepared for everything is better than not being prepared for anything at all.
Do Not Be Afraid to Seek Help.
It can be hard to ask an expert or a random person for help because many people don’t want to admit they have trouble hearing.
It is easy to become lost at a bustling airport, train station, or city centre. These places are often very busy and loud, making it even harder to hear where you need to go.
There is no harm in asking an employee for directions if there are no visual display boards or signs indicating where you should go. If you’re having trouble understanding them, ask them to demonstrate or write it down; they won’t mind.
Utilise Technology
Whether travelling by aeroplane, train, or automobile, you should make sure that you have downloaded all of the appropriate apps onto your phone before you leave. Most airline and train apps have timetables and can let you know if your gate or departure time has changed or if there is a delay.
You won’t need to worry about missing any announcements at the airport or train station if you make use of these so that you can stay current on the situation. Prepare for your trip by getting familiar with using the applications ahead of time.
Pack Some Protective Gear for Your Ears
The experience of travelling can often be rather noisy. When you visit a major city, you should be prepared to deal with the congestion, the crowds, and the noise caused by construction.
Attending a live concert while you’re on holiday might be a lot of fun, but the volume could be too loud for you to enjoy. When the volume of the noise becomes intolerable, either turn down or remove your hearing aids and put on some ear protection if necessary. In case you end up needing them, you should bring along some earplugs.
Voice Your Case
Do not be scared to make your voice heard. Tell the other people you’re travelling with, including tour guides, that you have trouble hearing, and tell them how they can help you communicate and understand better.
Bring an assistive listening device, such as a pocket talker or FM system, if you require one. This will come in handy if you need to transmit the guide’s voice directly to your hearing aids while simultaneously blocking out background noise.
When you eat, try to sit in a less crowded section of the restaurant or sit outside if the weather is nice enough. You could inquire with the hotel’s concierge about a recommendation for a more peaceful restaurant for you to dine at.
Hearing loss is a prevalent issue brought on by exposure to loud noise, aging, sickness, or even genetics. Hearing loss can make it challenging for a person to participate in conversations with their loved ones and friends. They might also have problems comprehending their doctor’s recommendations, reacting appropriately to cautions, having trouble during travel and hearing doorbells and sirens.
Hearing loss is diagnosed when an individual’s hearing thresholds are 20 decibels or below in at least one ear, while normal hearing requires hearing thresholds of at least 20 decibels in both ears. Hearing loss can range from mild to severe, all the way up to profound. It can impact only one ear or both ears, and the result is a loss of hearing in loud sounds or a speech at average volumes.
“Hard of hearing” applies to persons who have a hearing loss that can range from low to severe. Individuals with difficulty hearing typically converse through spoken language and may benefit from hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive equipment in addition to captioning in media presentations.
People who are classified as “deaf” typically have substantial hearing loss, which means they have little to no hearing. They frequently communicate with one another through the use of sign language.
Categories of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a condition that can affect people of any age and is induced by various circumstances. Hearing impairment can be broken down into three primary categories: sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss. Patients should know the following information for each category.
- Sensorineural
This hearing loss is caused by injury to the inner ear or the hearing nerve. This loss of hearing is typically brought on by the destruction of a few of the hair cells within the cochlea.
The most prevalent form of hearing loss is called sensorineural hearing loss. It is possible that aging, prolonged contact with a loud noise, injury, disease, the use of particular medicines, or a genetic condition could cause it. Hearing aids can be helpful for some individuals who have this sort of hearing loss, although the hearing loss that they have cannot typically be treated by medicine or surgery.
- Conductive
When sound waves cannot travel through to the inner ear, a condition known as sensorineural hearing loss occurs. This condition can affect either the outer or the middle ear. Earwax or an object lodged in the ear canal may prevent sound from reaching the eardrum. Alternatively, the middle ear space may be impacted by fluid, an infection, or a bone abnormality.
Hearing loss caused by conductivity can be reversed in certain patients through medical treatment or surgical procedures. Conductive hearing loss is most prevalent in youngsters, particularly those who have had multiple episodes of ear infections or who have placed foreign items within their ear canal.
- Mixed
Frequently, both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss can coexist in the same individual. They may initially have sensorineural hearing loss and eventually acquire a conductive component.
Hearing testing is essential for identifying the precise nature of your hearing loss and determining the appropriate hearing care solution. Hearing aids are available in numerous sizes, designs, and technological configurations. With that said, book a hearing test today to learn how to manage and live with deafness or hard of hearing.
Travelling With Hearing Loss: Helpful Hints
Hearing loss can make travel challenging. It can be difficult to converse with personnel and fellow travellers if you have a communication problem and hearing loss. There is a chance of missing notifications due to inaudibility. Here are some of the best travel recommendations for individuals with hearing loss.
Prepare Beforehand
Inquire about hearing-loss-friendly lodgings before making a hotel reservation. Popular tourist destinations offer a large number of hotels that are accessible to those with hearing impairments. Flashing lights for the phone and the door may also be included in these amenities. If you’re booking through a tour operator, inform them of your needs so they can make appropriate reservations for you.
You should conduct some research before you leave. Acquire a working knowledge of the area’s people, places, and things by learning their names. As a result, you’ll have a simpler time recognising them if they use these names.
Pack Accordingly
A trip’s most hectic portion, packing, may become even more so for somebody with hearing loss. Maintaining your hearing aids should not be stressful, so develop a list of everything you’ll need to do so.
Additional tubing, remotes, chargers and a voltage/plug converter could also be included in this list. Remember that it’s best to always bring anything with you when travelling, especially if you’re uncertain about something. Being prepared for everything is better than not being prepared for anything at all.
Do not be Hesitant to Seek Assistance
It can be hard to ask an expert or a passerby for assistance due to the reluctance of many individuals to disclose their hearing impairment.
It is easy to become lost at a bustling airport, train station, or city centre. These locations are frequently extraordinarily crowded and, as a result, loud, making it even harder to hear notifications regarding where you must go.
There is no harm in asking an employee for directions if there are no visual display boards or signs indicating where you should go. If you’re having trouble understanding them, ask them to demonstrate or write it down; they won’t mind.
Utilise Technology
Whether travelling by aeroplane, train, or automobile, you should make sure that you have downloaded all of the appropriate apps onto your phone before you leave. The applications provided by most airlines and train companies include timetables and can notify you of any changes to your gate or delays in departure.
You won’t need to worry about missing any announcements at the airport or train station if you make use of these so that you can stay current on the situation. Get familiar with using the applications ahead of time to prepare for your trip.
Pack Some Protective Gears for Your Ears
The experience of travelling can often be rather noisy. When you visit a major city, you should be prepared to deal with the congestion, the crowds, and the noise caused by construction.
Attending a live concert while you’re on hols might be a lot of fun, but the volume could be too loud for you to enjoy. When the volume of the noise becomes intolerable, either turn down or remove your hearing aids and put on some ear protection if necessary. In case you end up needing them, you should bring along some earplugs.
Voice Your Case
Do not be scared to make your voice heard. Inform any other passengers you are travelling with, including tour guides, that you have hearing loss, and provide them with specific advice on how they may assist you in communicating and comprehending better.
Bring an assistive listening device, such as a pocket talker or FM system, if you require one. This will come in handy if you need to transmit the guide’s voice directly to your hearing aids while simultaneously blocking out background noise.
When you eat, try to sit in a less busy section of the restaurant or sit outside if the weather is nice enough. You could inquire with the hotel’s concierge about the recommendation of a more peaceful restaurant for you to dine at.
