<\/p>\n
<\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>What is hearing loss<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>Hearing loss is the inability to hear partially or totally in one or both ears. Generally, sound is indicated by ‘frequency’ and ‘intensity’. In ‘frequency’, our ears can normally hear between 20 to 20,000 Hertz. When hearing threshold or the least hearing ability of a person is over 25 dB (decibel), then it can be termed as hearing loss or impairment. Hearing loss treatment involves diagnosis of the type and degree of hearing loss and based on the type and degree of hearing loss the treatment would be either medical or rehabilitative<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>Causes of hearing loss<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>We are regularly exposed to various types of sounds.<br \/>Hearing loss or problem can occur from one or multiple reasons; the most common factors as well as specific causes leading to hearing loss among adults and children are:<br \/>Children: Genetic; Prematuriy; Infection; Drugs<br \/>Adults: Noise induced; Ototoxic; Immune diseases; Heredity; Physical trauma; Ageing( Presbycusis)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>Common symptoms of hearing loss<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>If hearing loss interferes with activities of daily living or if you have to frequently have to ask your conversation partner to repeat themselves, you might be on the verge of hearing loss<\/p>\n<p><strong>Socially\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Do you require frequent repetition?<\/li>\n<li>Do you have trouble following group conversations?<\/li>\n<li>Do you have your TV \/radio volume turned up to high?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Emotionally\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Do you feel stressed out from straining to hear?<\/li>\n<li>Do you feel annoyed because you can\u2019t hear?<\/li>\n<li>Do you withdraw from social situations?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Medically<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Do you have a family history of hearing loss?<\/li>\n<li>Do you take Medication?<\/li>\n<li>Do you experience Tinnitus?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>Types of hearing loss<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>The type of\u00a0 hearing loss can be identified by \u00a0a professional Audiologist detecting the area or section of the ear \u00a0which is the cause<\/p>\n<p><strong>Conductive hearing loss<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Hearing loss in the outer or middle ear is termed as conductive hearing loss which generally can be treated with medication; surgery \u00a0or the use of hearing aids.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sensori-Neural hearing<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This type of hearing loss is due to problems arising out of the inner\u00a0 ear or Auditory nerve disorders.<\/p>\n<p>Though it is a permanent problem, hearing restoration is possible with the help of medical treatment; surgery hearing aids or other hearing devices . The treatment will\u00a0 be unique\u00a0 to the condition.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mixed Hearing loss<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This is a combination\u00a0 of Conductive and Sensori- Neural hearing loss.Here too,\u00a0 hearing aids or other hearing devices can help in hearing restoration<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>Tinnitus- causes and treatment<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>This is the medical term for \u201c ringing in the ears.\u201d It is the perception of sound in the ear in the absence of objective sound and may be heard in one ear or both.<\/p>\n<p>It is often described as buzzing,whistling, roaring,humming, hissing or whooshing. It can be continuous or intermittent<\/p>\n<p>Tinnitus is not generally a\u00a0 serious medical condition but it can be very distressing and cause sleep disturbance<\/p>\n<p>It is\u00a0 not a disease but is a symptom resulting from a range of underlying causes.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>There is one type of Tinnitus that requires urgent medical attention and that is pulsatile tinnitus.<\/p>\n<p>If nausea or dizziness accompany Tinnitus , visit your doctor<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>Some causes of Tinnitus<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It can result from foreign objects or wax in the external ear.<\/li>\n<li>It is often associated with hearing loss and is more common in the elderly. However it may be a symptom in congenital hearing loss<\/li>\n<li>People who have been exposed to loud noise and have incurred noise induced hearing loss are prone to Tinnitus<\/li>\n<li>Injuries to the head and neck<\/li>\n<li>Emotional distress<\/li>\n<li>A side effect of certain medications may be Tinnitus<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>At the moment, there is no known permanent cure for Tinnitus \u2013\u00a0 but it can be managed .<\/p>\n<p><strong>What to do if you have Tinnitus<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Consult and Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon or our GP<\/li>\n<li>Visit your Audiologist- determine if you have a hearing loss which may explain the Tinnitus.\n<ul>\n<li>Very often hearing aids can help reduce the Tinnitus to manageable levels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Take precautionary measures to avoid loud noise to protect your ears if you are in a noisy environment<\/li>\n<li>Check your medication as it may be a side effect of the drugs you are taking and discuss this with your doctor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>Hearing loss and cognitive decline<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>Hearing health is overall health<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>Maintain your brain<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>Prevention of hearing loss<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>One of the most common types of injuries that occur in the workplace is hearing damage.<\/p>\n<p>It is often not noticed at first<\/p>\n<p>There are legal requirements that are laid out by OSHA which covers occupational health exposure.<\/p>\n<p>However it is not only the workplace that is of concern. People listening to very loud music (eg at concerts) for prolonged periods are also at risk. In addition listening to loud music with ear buds also puts one\u2019s hearing at risk.<\/p>\n<p>Hearing damage may not be noticeable at first. But is the one UNDISPUTED result of noise damage.<\/p>\n<p>So- a simple warning : Turn the volume button LEFT to reduce the risk<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Two types of Hearing Hazards<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sudden loud noise<\/li>\n<li>Prolonged loud noise<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Sudden loud noise can cause immediate hearing damage\u00a0 and often people are unable to prepare for it.<\/p>\n<p>The closer one is to the\u00a0 sound source the more damage it will cause.<\/p>\n<p>Prolonged noise exposure\u00a0 depends on how long and how loud the exposure is.<\/p>\n<p>Exposure to noise over 85dB for 8 hours a day is dangerous and workers need to wear hearing protection and have annual hearing tests to monitor any changes<\/p>\n<p>Noise protectors\u00a0 such as earplugs or ear muffs are effective ways of protecting hearing.<\/p>\n<p>There are many types on the market and should be chosen as the right type for the right situation<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>Types of substances which causes hearing loss<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>There are a number of substances that can have adverse effects on your hearing<\/p>\n<p>The technical term is called\u00a0 \u201cOtotoxic\u201d ie. they cause damage to the ear..Specifically, they damage the small hair cells within your ear<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How does Hearing get affected?<br \/>The\u00a0 blood thins and that means the ears are supplied with less Oxygen<\/li>\n<li>Some medications actively attack the hair cells in the Inner Ear<\/li>\n<li>Nerves responsible for transporting signals from the ears to the brain can be targeted<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Some Ototoxic substances are:<\/p>\n<p>Tobacco or other nicotine products. Smoking has numerous effects on your ears eg compromising the blood needed by the auditory hair cells.<\/p>\n<p>Alcohol has similarly destructive effects on the ear and hearing.. It impacts the cochlea which can compromise both hearing and balance.<\/p>\n<p>As we know Alcohol can have deleterious effects on the brain over time with the Auditory Cortex being a frequent victim<\/p>\n<p>Certain medications have ototoxic properties.<\/p>\n<p>IF YOU SUSPECT YOU MAY BE EXPERIENCING HEARING LOSS FROM MEDICATION, YOU MUST SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR AND FOLLOW THEIR INSTRUCTIONS<br \/>DO NOT IGNORE MEDICAL ADVICE<\/p>\n<p>There are about 200 commonly prescribed ototoxic medications but they usually fall under certain categories eg chemotherapy agents or blood thinners.<\/p>\n<p>There are others as well<\/p>\n<p>Aspirin and Quinine are 2 of the most commonly available ototoxic medications<\/p>\n<p>They are both blood thinners which means that the oxygen brought to your ears is lessened. This can asphyxiate hair cells.<\/p>\n<p>Antio-biotics<\/p>\n<p>This is a massive umbrella term , But aminoglycosides is especially known for Ototoxicity<br \/>Many chemotherapy agents can affect the inner ear hair cells which if damaged cannot be restored<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>Ear wax<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>Ear wax is a natural secretion of the glands of the ear.<\/p>\n<p>It helps lubricate the ear and protect it from infection.<\/p>\n<p>But if..<\/p>\n<p>The ears are blocked with wax or there is ear pain; itching; ringing in the ears and hearing loss due to the wax being impacted it needs to be removed.<\/p>\n<p>The wax needs to be removed by a professional trained to do so eg\u00a0 doctor; audiologist; nurse .<\/p>\n<p>Certain oils or drops may be prescribed to soften the wax before it is removed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions (Click on question to reveal the answer)<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3>I have been told that Hearing loss is associated with deteriorating brain function. Can you please explain.<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>As we get older, we may experience some level of decline in our mental functioning. It may be mild or more serious. \u00a0A normal part of aging includes forgetting details, taking longer to learn new things and difficulty paying attention. It may not be possible\u00a0 to stop it \u2014 but \u00a0the literature tells us that we may be able to slow it down.<\/p>\n<p>By understanding the link between hearing loss and brain fitness can help you get started on the road to better overall health.<\/p>\n<p>Some suggested reasons \u00a0for this link are:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>One has to do with cognitive load. With untreated hearing loss, the brain gets overworked by constantly straining to understand speech and sound. An overworked brain doesn\u2019t work efficiently.<\/li>\n<li>Another has to do with brain structure. Brain cells can shrink from lack of stimulation, including the parts of the brain that receive and process sound.<\/li>\n<li>The last theory is social isolation. When a person has trouble hearing conversations and socializing, they may prefer staying home instead. However, the more isolated a person becomes, the less stimuli their brain receives.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>Are there any other conditions linked with hearing loss?<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>Medical research links\u00a0 Hearing loss with a variety of other conditions, including:<\/p>\n<p>Heart and cardiovascular disease<\/p>\n<p>Diabetes<\/p>\n<p>Falling & Dizziness<\/p>\n<p>Depression<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>What are common signs of hearing loss?<\/h3>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li>If people seem to be mumbling<\/li>\n<li>Having difficulty hearing speech in a crowd or in background noise<\/li>\n<li>Missing key words in a sentence<\/li>\n<li>Not knowing where the sound is coming from<\/li>\n<li>Needing to turn up the volume on your Tv\/phone\/radio<\/li>\n<li>Asking people to repeat themselves<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>When is the best time for a hearing test?<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>Sooner than you think \u2013 the biggest risk is not knowing . The earlier you treat hearing loss the better chance you have of\u00a0 taking the steps to correct the problems you are facing<\/p>\n<p>Why? Because when the hearing nerves and the centre of the brain responsible for hearing is deprived of sound it begins to atrophy aka auditory deprivation. It then becomes more difficult to solve the problem.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>Are hearing aids the best solution for hearing loss?<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>Not necessarily= there are various kinds of hearing loss and each condition will require an individual solution- some will require medical intervention and some will require hearing aids<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>Is it easy to use hearing aids?<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>It depends on many factors- age, motivation, type of hearing loss, level of technology, cognitive ability etc<\/p>\n<p>In general wearing hearing aids requires a period of adjustment. The\u00a0 journey towards hearing health takes you \u00a0to a wonderful place. There may be obstacles along the way .But we will help you along the process. You will begin to get benefit immediately, but after two months you will realise just how much the quality of your life has improved.<\/p>\n<p>After 6 months you will be wishing you would have done it sooner<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>\n<p> <a id=\"hearing-matters\"><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<h1>Our Hearing Matters At All Stages Of Life<\/h1>\n<div>\n<p><strong>Q: When is the right time for a hearing test?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>A: Sooner than you think<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: What is the biggest risk of hearing loss ? \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><em>A: Not knowing that you have a hearing loss\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: Who needs a hearing test? \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><em>A: Everyone<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p>Our hearing supplies us with vital information as well as causing us to experience emotions and recall memories. It enables us to enjoy the laughter of children, or the caring words whispered by a loved person either. Or what about nature\u2019s comforting sounds: the evening song of a blackbird, the wind in the autumn leaves, the waves on the beach or the cracking sounds of a cosy bonfire<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Babies learning to speak- if you can\u2019t hear, you can\u2019t learn to speak easily.<\/li>\n<li>School going children- are at risk for ear infections .These may temporarily interrupt hearing but permanently impact on the learning process.<\/li>\n<li>Teenagers- are at risk of noise damage due to listening to music at high volume<\/li>\n<li>Working population- to ensure work efficiency<\/li>\n<li>The ageing population-World Health Organisation tells us that \u201cold age hearing begins at \u2026age 39! Over the age of 65, hearing loss is the third biggest chronic condition.<\/li>\n<li>For our own safety: When walking near busy roads; to be alert for a cry for help; To be able to hear sounds that alert to danger like sirens and other traffic signals<\/li>\n<li>Social interactions : Chatting with friends, interacting with grandchildren; Talking on the phone; watching TV together with others, participating in dinner conversations at a restaurant<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>The good news<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p>With wonderful technology there is help available. Connect with family and friends again<\/p>\n<p>Be in touch, stay in tune and remain independent.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Don\u2019t retire, rewire<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- {\"type\":\"layout\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"section\",\"props\":{\"style\":\"default\",\"width\":\"default\",\"vertical_align\":\"middle\",\"title_position\":\"top-left\",\"title_rotation\":\"left\",\"title_breakpoint\":\"xl\",\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"text_color\":\"\",\"width_expand\":\"\",\"height\":\"\",\"padding\":\"\",\"header_transparent\":\"\",\"animation\":\"\"},\"children\":[{\"type\":\"row\",\"props\":{\"layout\":\"1-1\",\"breakpoint\":\"m\",\"fixed_width\":\"large\",\"gutter\":\"\",\"width\":\"\",\"width_expand\":\"\",\"height\":\"\",\"margin\":\"\"},\"children\":[{\"type\":\"column\",\"props\":{\"widths\":[\"1-1\"],\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"media_overlay_gradient\":\"\",\"vertical_align\":\"\",\"style\":\"\",\"text_color\":\"\",\"padding\":\"\"},\"children\":[{\"type\":\"image\",\"props\":{\"margin\":\"default\",\"image_svg_color\":\"emphasis\",\"link_target\":\"\",\"image_border\":\"\",\"image_box_shadow\":\"\",\"image_hover_box_shadow\":\"\",\"image_box_decoration\":\"default\",\"position\":\"\",\"position_z_index\":\"\",\"maxwidth\":\"\",\"maxwidth_breakpoint\":\"\",\"block_align\":\"\",\"block_align_breakpoint\":\"\",\"block_align_fallback\":\"\",\"text_align\":\"\",\"text_align_breakpoint\":\"\",\"text_align_fallback\":\"\",\"animation\":\"\",\"visibility\":\"\",\"image\":\"wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/Cover03.jpg\",\"margin_remove_top\":false}}]}]},{\"type\":\"row\",\"props\":{\"layout\":\"1-1\",\"breakpoint\":\"m\",\"fixed_width\":\"large\",\"gutter\":\"\",\"width\":\"\",\"width_expand\":\"\",\"height\":\"\",\"margin\":\"\"},\"children\":[{\"type\":\"column\",\"props\":{\"widths\":[\"1-1\"],\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"media_overlay_gradient\":\"\",\"vertical_align\":\"\",\"style\":\"\",\"text_color\":\"\",\"padding\":\"\"},\"children\":[{\"type\":\"accordion\",\"props\":{\"show_image\":true,\"show_link\":true,\"collapsible\":true,\"image_svg_color\":\"emphasis\",\"image_align\":\"top\",\"image_grid_width\":\"1-2\",\"image_breakpoint\":\"m\",\"link_text\":\"Read more\",\"link_style\":\"default\",\"content_style\":\"\",\"content_margin\":\"\",\"image_border\":\"\",\"image_gutter\":\"\",\"image_margin\":\"\",\"link_size\":\"\",\"link_margin\":\"\",\"position\":\"\",\"position_z_index\":\"\",\"margin\":\"\",\"maxwidth\":\"\",\"maxwidth_breakpoint\":\"\",\"block_align\":\"\",\"block_align_breakpoint\":\"\",\"block_align_fallback\":\"\",\"text_align\":\"\",\"text_align_breakpoint\":\"\",\"text_align_fallback\":\"\",\"animation\":\"\",\"visibility\":\"\"},\"children\":[{\"type\":\"accordion_item\",\"props\":{\"title\":\"How we hear\",\"content\":\"\n\n<p><iframe src=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/embed\\\/eQEaiZ2j9oc\\\" width=\\\"560\\\" height=\\\"315\\\" frameborder=\\\"0\\\" allowfullscreen=\\\"allowfullscreen\\\"><\\\/iframe><\\\/p>\"}},{\"type\":\"accordion_item\",\"props\":{\"title\":\"What is hearing loss\",\"content\":\"\n\n<p>Hearing loss is the inability to hear partially or totally in one or both ears. Generally, sound is indicated by 'frequency' and 'intensity'. In 'frequency', our ears can normally hear between 20 to 20,000 Hertz. When hearing threshold or the least hearing ability of a person is over 25 dB (decibel), then it can be termed as hearing loss or impairment. Hearing loss treatment involves diagnosis of the type and degree of hearing loss and based on the type and degree of hearing loss the treatment would be either medical or rehabilitative<\\\/p>\"}},{\"type\":\"accordion_item\",\"props\":{\"title\":\"Causes of hearing loss\",\"content\":\"\n\n<p>We are regularly exposed to various types of sounds.<br \\\/>Hearing loss or problem can occur from one or multiple reasons; the most common factors as well as specific causes leading to hearing loss among adults and children are:<br \\\/>Children: Genetic; Prematuriy; Infection; Drugs<br \\\/>Adults: Noise induced; Ototoxic; Immune diseases; Heredity; Physical trauma; Ageing( Presbycusis)<\\\/p>\"}},{\"type\":\"accordion_item\",\"props\":{\"title\":\"Common symptoms of hearing loss\",\"content\":\"\n\n<p>If hearing loss interferes with activities of daily living or if you have to frequently have to ask your conversation partner to repeat themselves, you might be on the verge of hearing loss<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p><strong>Socially\\u00a0<\\\/strong><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<ul>\\n\n\n<li>Do you require frequent repetition?<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Do you have trouble following group conversations?<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Do you have your TV \\\/radio volume turned up to high?<\\\/li>\\n<\\\/ul>\\n\n\n<p><strong>Emotionally\\u00a0<\\\/strong><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<ul>\\n\n\n<li>Do you feel stressed out from straining to hear?<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Do you feel annoyed because you can\\u2019t hear?<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Do you withdraw from social situations?<\\\/li>\\n<\\\/ul>\\n\n\n<p><strong>Medically<\\\/strong><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<ul>\\n\n\n<li>Do you have a family history of hearing loss?<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Do you take Medication?<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Do you experience Tinnitus?<\\\/li>\\n<\\\/ul>\"}},{\"type\":\"accordion_item\",\"props\":{\"title\":\"Types of hearing loss\",\"content\":\"\n\n<p>The type of\\u00a0 hearing loss can be identified by \\u00a0a professional Audiologist detecting the area or section of the ear \\u00a0which is the cause<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p><strong>Conductive hearing loss<\\\/strong><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Hearing loss in the outer or middle ear is termed as conductive hearing loss which generally can be treated with medication; surgery \\u00a0or the use of hearing aids.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p><strong>Sensori-Neural hearing<\\\/strong><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>This type of hearing loss is due to problems arising out of the inner\\u00a0 ear or Auditory nerve disorders.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Though it is a permanent problem, hearing restoration is possible with the help of medical treatment; surgery hearing aids or other hearing devices . The treatment will\\u00a0 be unique\\u00a0 to the condition.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p><strong>Mixed Hearing loss<\\\/strong><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>This is a combination\\u00a0 of Conductive and Sensori- Neural hearing loss.Here too,\\u00a0 hearing aids or other hearing devices can help in hearing restoration<\\\/p>\"}},{\"type\":\"accordion_item\",\"props\":{\"title\":\"Tinnitus- causes and treatment\",\"content\":\"\n\n<p>This is the medical term for \\u201c ringing in the ears.\\u201d It is the perception of sound in the ear in the absence of objective sound and may be heard in one ear or both.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>It is often described as buzzing,whistling, roaring,humming, hissing or whooshing. It can be continuous or intermittent<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Tinnitus is not generally a\\u00a0 serious medical condition but it can be very distressing and cause sleep disturbance<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>It is\\u00a0 not a disease but is a symptom resulting from a range of underlying causes.\\u00a0<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>There is one type of Tinnitus that requires urgent medical attention and that is pulsatile tinnitus.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>If nausea or dizziness accompany Tinnitus , visit your doctor<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>\\u00a0<strong>Some causes of Tinnitus<\\\/strong><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<ul>\\n\n\n<li>It can result from foreign objects or wax in the external ear.<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>It is often associated with hearing loss and is more common in the elderly. However it may be a symptom in congenital hearing loss<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>People who have been exposed to loud noise and have incurred noise induced hearing loss are prone to Tinnitus<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Injuries to the head and neck<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Emotional distress<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>A side effect of certain medications may be Tinnitus<\\\/li>\\n<\\\/ul>\\n\n\n<p>At the moment, there is no known permanent cure for Tinnitus \\u2013\\u00a0 but it can be managed .<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p><strong>What to do if you have Tinnitus<\\\/strong><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<ul>\\n\n\n<li>Consult and Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon or our GP<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Visit your Audiologist- determine if you have a hearing loss which may explain the Tinnitus.\\n\n\n<ul>\\n\n\n<li>Very often hearing aids can help reduce the Tinnitus to manageable levels.<\\\/li>\\n<\\\/ul>\\n<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Take precautionary measures to avoid loud noise to protect your ears if you are in a noisy environment<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Check your medication as it may be a side effect of the drugs you are taking and discuss this with your doctor<\\\/li>\\n<\\\/ul>\"}},{\"type\":\"accordion_item\",\"props\":{\"title\":\"Hearing loss and cognitive decline\"}},{\"type\":\"accordion_item\",\"props\":{\"title\":\"Hearing health is overall health\"}},{\"type\":\"accordion_item\",\"props\":{\"title\":\"Maintain your brain\"}},{\"type\":\"accordion_item\",\"props\":{\"title\":\"Prevention of hearing loss\",\"content\":\"\n\n<p>One of the most common types of injuries that occur in the workplace is hearing damage.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>It is often not noticed at first<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>There are legal requirements that are laid out by OSHA which covers occupational health exposure.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>However it is not only the workplace that is of concern. People listening to very loud music (eg at concerts) for prolonged periods are also at risk. In addition listening to loud music with ear buds also puts one\\u2019s hearing at risk.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Hearing damage may not be noticeable at first. But is the one UNDISPUTED result of noise damage.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>So- a simple warning : Turn the volume button LEFT to reduce the risk<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>\\u00a0Two types of Hearing Hazards<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<ul>\\n\n\n<li>Sudden loud noise<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Prolonged loud noise<\\\/li>\\n<\\\/ul>\\n\n\n<p>Sudden loud noise can cause immediate hearing damage\\u00a0 and often people are unable to prepare for it.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>The closer one is to the\\u00a0 sound source the more damage it will cause.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Prolonged noise exposure\\u00a0 depends on how long and how loud the exposure is.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Exposure to noise over 85dB for 8 hours a day is dangerous and workers need to wear hearing protection and have annual hearing tests to monitor any changes<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Noise protectors\\u00a0 such as earplugs or ear muffs are effective ways of protecting hearing.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>There are many types on the market and should be chosen as the right type for the right situation<\\\/p>\"}},{\"type\":\"accordion_item\",\"props\":{\"title\":\"Types of substances which causes hearing loss\",\"content\":\"\n\n<p>There are a number of substances that can have adverse effects on your hearing<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>The technical term is called\\u00a0 \\u201cOtotoxic\\u201d ie. they cause damage to the ear..Specifically, they damage the small hair cells within your ear<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<ul>\\n\n\n<li>How does Hearing get affected?<br \\\/>The\\u00a0 blood thins and that means the ears are supplied with less Oxygen<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Some medications actively attack the hair cells in the Inner Ear<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Nerves responsible for transporting signals from the ears to the brain can be targeted<\\\/li>\\n<\\\/ul>\\n\n\n<p>Some Ototoxic substances are:<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Tobacco or other nicotine products. Smoking has numerous effects on your ears eg compromising the blood needed by the auditory hair cells.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Alcohol has similarly destructive effects on the ear and hearing.. It impacts the cochlea which can compromise both hearing and balance.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>As we know Alcohol can have deleterious effects on the brain over time with the Auditory Cortex being a frequent victim<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Certain medications have ototoxic properties.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>IF YOU SUSPECT YOU MAY BE EXPERIENCING HEARING LOSS FROM MEDICATION, YOU MUST SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR AND FOLLOW THEIR INSTRUCTIONS<br \\\/>DO NOT IGNORE MEDICAL ADVICE<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>There are about 200 commonly prescribed ototoxic medications but they usually fall under certain categories eg chemotherapy agents or blood thinners.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>There are others as well<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Aspirin and Quinine are 2 of the most commonly available ototoxic medications<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>They are both blood thinners which means that the oxygen brought to your ears is lessened. This can asphyxiate hair cells.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Antio-biotics<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>This is a massive umbrella term , But aminoglycosides is especially known for Ototoxicity<br \\\/>Many chemotherapy agents can affect the inner ear hair cells which if damaged cannot be restored<\\\/p>\"}},{\"type\":\"accordion_item\",\"props\":{\"title\":\"Ear wax\",\"content\":\"\n\n<p>Ear wax is a natural secretion of the glands of the ear.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>It helps lubricate the ear and protect it from infection.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>But if..<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>The ears are blocked with wax or there is ear pain; itching; ringing in the ears and hearing loss due to the wax being impacted it needs to be removed.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>The wax needs to be removed by a professional trained to do so eg\\u00a0 doctor; audiologist; nurse .<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Certain oils or drops may be prescribed to soften the wax before it is removed.<\\\/p>\"}}]}]}]}]},{\"name\":\"FAQ Hear Gear\",\"type\":\"section\",\"props\":{\"width\":\"small\",\"padding\":\"small\",\"style\":\"default\",\"header_overlay\":\"\",\"animation\":\"\",\"padding_remove_top\":false,\"image_size\":\"cover\",\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"vertical_align\":\"middle\",\"title_position\":\"top-left\",\"title_rotation\":\"left\",\"title_breakpoint\":\"xl\",\"padding_remove_bottom\":false,\"image_effect\":\"\",\"text_color\":\"\",\"width_expand\":\"\",\"height\":\"\",\"header_transparent\":\"\"},\"children\":[{\"name\":\"\",\"type\":\"row\",\"props\":{\"layout\":\"1-1\",\"breakpoint\":\"m\",\"fixed_width\":\"large\",\"margin\":\"xlarge\"},\"children\":[{\"name\":\"\",\"type\":\"column\",\"props\":{\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"widths\":[\"1-1\"],\"media_overlay_gradient\":\"\"},\"children\":[{\"name\":\"\",\"type\":\"headline\",\"props\":{\"title_element\":\"h2\",\"text_align\":\"left\",\"content\":\"Frequently Asked Questions (Click on question to reveal the answer)\",\"title_style\":\"h3\",\"title_decoration\":\"\",\"margin\":\"medium\",\"maxwidth\":\"medium\",\"title_color\":\"\",\"position\":\"\",\"position_z_index\":\"\",\"maxwidth_breakpoint\":\"\",\"block_align\":\"\",\"block_align_breakpoint\":\"\",\"block_align_fallback\":\"\",\"text_align_breakpoint\":\"\",\"text_align_fallback\":\"\",\"animation\":\"\",\"visibility\":\"\"}},{\"name\":\"\",\"type\":\"switcher\",\"props\":{\"show_title\":true,\"show_meta\":true,\"show_content\":true,\"show_image\":true,\"show_link\":true,\"show_label\":true,\"show_thumbnail\":true,\"switcher_style\":\"tab\",\"switcher_position\":\"left\",\"switcher_align\":\"left\",\"switcher_grid_width\":\"1-3\",\"switcher_breakpoint\":\"m\",\"switcher_animation\":\"fade\",\"switcher_height\":true,\"title_style\":\"h3\",\"title_element\":\"h3\",\"meta_style\":\"meta\",\"meta_align\":\"below-title\",\"image_align\":\"top\",\"image_grid_width\":\"1-2\",\"image_breakpoint\":\"m\",\"switcher_thumbnail_width\":\"100\",\"switcher_thumbnail_height\":\"75\",\"link_text\":\"Read more\",\"link_style\":\"default\",\"margin\":\"default\",\"switcher_gutter\":\"large\",\"switcher_style_primary\":false,\"switcher_vertical_align\":false,\"title_decoration\":\"\",\"text_align\":\"\",\"switcher_thumbnail_svg_color\":\"emphasis\",\"image_svg_color\":\"emphasis\",\"title_align\":\"top\",\"title_grid_width\":\"1-2\",\"title_breakpoint\":\"m\",\"switcher_margin\":\"\",\"title_color\":\"\",\"title_gutter\":\"\",\"title_margin\":\"\",\"meta_color\":\"\",\"meta_margin\":\"\",\"content_style\":\"\",\"content_margin\":\"\",\"image_border\":\"\",\"image_box_shadow\":\"\",\"image_box_decoration\":\"\",\"image_gutter\":\"\",\"image_margin\":\"\",\"link_size\":\"\",\"link_margin\":\"\",\"position\":\"\",\"position_z_index\":\"\",\"maxwidth\":\"\",\"maxwidth_breakpoint\":\"\",\"block_align\":\"\",\"block_align_breakpoint\":\"\",\"block_align_fallback\":\"\",\"text_align_breakpoint\":\"\",\"text_align_fallback\":\"\",\"animation\":\"\",\"visibility\":\"\"},\"children\":[{\"name\":\"\",\"type\":\"switcher_item\",\"props\":{\"title\":\"I have been told that Hearing loss is associated with deteriorating brain function. Can you please explain.\",\"content\":\"\n\n<p>As we get older, we may experience some level of decline in our mental functioning. It may be mild or more serious. \\u00a0A normal part of aging includes forgetting details, taking longer to learn new things and difficulty paying attention. It may not be possible\\u00a0 to stop it \\u2014 but \\u00a0the literature tells us that we may be able to slow it down.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>By understanding the link between hearing loss and brain fitness can help you get started on the road to better overall health.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Some suggested reasons \\u00a0for this link are:<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<ol>\\n\n\n<li>One has to do with cognitive load. With untreated hearing loss, the brain gets overworked by constantly straining to understand speech and sound. An overworked brain doesn\\u2019t work efficiently.<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Another has to do with brain structure. Brain cells can shrink from lack of stimulation, including the parts of the brain that receive and process sound.<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>The last theory is social isolation. When a person has trouble hearing conversations and socializing, they may prefer staying home instead. However, the more isolated a person becomes, the less stimuli their brain receives.<\\\/li>\\n<\\\/ol>\"}},{\"name\":\"\",\"type\":\"switcher_item\",\"props\":{\"title\":\"Are there any other conditions linked with hearing loss?\",\"content\":\"\n\n<p>Medical research links\\u00a0 Hearing loss with a variety of other conditions, including:<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Heart and cardiovascular disease<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Diabetes<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Falling & Dizziness<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Depression<\\\/p>\"}},{\"name\":\"\",\"type\":\"switcher_item\",\"props\":{\"title\":\"What are common signs of hearing loss?\",\"content\":\"\n\n<ul>\\n\n\n<li>If people seem to be mumbling<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Having difficulty hearing speech in a crowd or in background noise<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Missing key words in a sentence<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Not knowing where the sound is coming from<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Needing to turn up the volume on your Tv\\\/phone\\\/radio<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Asking people to repeat themselves<\\\/li>\\n<\\\/ul>\"}},{\"name\":\"\",\"type\":\"switcher_item\",\"props\":{\"title\":\"When is the best time for a hearing test?\",\"content\":\"\n\n<p>Sooner than you think \\u2013 the biggest risk is not knowing . The earlier you treat hearing loss the better chance you have of\\u00a0 taking the steps to correct the problems you are facing<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Why? Because when the hearing nerves and the centre of the brain responsible for hearing is deprived of sound it begins to atrophy aka auditory deprivation. It then becomes more difficult to solve the problem.<\\\/p>\"}},{\"name\":\"\",\"type\":\"switcher_item\",\"props\":{\"title\":\"Are hearing aids the best solution for hearing loss?\",\"content\":\"\n\n<p>Not necessarily= there are various kinds of hearing loss and each condition will require an individual solution- some will require medical intervention and some will require hearing aids<\\\/p>\"}},{\"name\":\"\",\"type\":\"switcher_item\",\"props\":{\"title\":\"Is it easy to use hearing aids?\",\"content\":\"\n\n<p>It depends on many factors- age, motivation, type of hearing loss, level of technology, cognitive ability etc<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>In general wearing hearing aids requires a period of adjustment. The\\u00a0 journey towards hearing health takes you \\u00a0to a wonderful place. There may be obstacles along the way .But we will help you along the process. You will begin to get benefit immediately, but after two months you will realise just how much the quality of your life has improved.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>After 6 months you will be wishing you would have done it sooner<\\\/p>\"}}]}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"section\",\"props\":{\"style\":\"default\",\"width\":\"default\",\"vertical_align\":\"middle\",\"title_position\":\"top-left\",\"title_rotation\":\"left\",\"title_breakpoint\":\"xl\",\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"text_color\":\"\",\"width_expand\":\"\",\"height\":\"\",\"padding\":\"\",\"header_transparent\":\"\",\"animation\":\"\"},\"children\":[{\"type\":\"row\",\"props\":{\"layout\":\"1-1\",\"breakpoint\":\"m\",\"fixed_width\":\"large\",\"gutter\":\"\",\"width\":\"\",\"width_expand\":\"\",\"height\":\"\",\"margin\":\"\"},\"children\":[{\"type\":\"column\",\"props\":{\"widths\":[\"1-1\"],\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"media_overlay_gradient\":\"\",\"vertical_align\":\"\",\"style\":\"\",\"text_color\":\"\",\"padding\":\"\"},\"children\":[{\"type\":\"html\",\"props\":{\"content\":\"<a id=\\\"hearing-matters\\\"><\\\/a>\"}},{\"type\":\"headline\",\"props\":{\"title_element\":\"h1\",\"title_style\":\"\",\"title_decoration\":\"\",\"title_color\":\"\",\"position\":\"\",\"position_z_index\":\"\",\"margin\":\"\",\"maxwidth\":\"\",\"maxwidth_breakpoint\":\"\",\"block_align\":\"\",\"block_align_breakpoint\":\"\",\"block_align_fallback\":\"\",\"text_align\":\"\",\"text_align_breakpoint\":\"\",\"text_align_fallback\":\"\",\"animation\":\"\",\"visibility\":\"\",\"content\":\"Our Hearing Matters At All Stages Of Life\"}},{\"type\":\"text\",\"props\":{\"margin\":\"default\",\"column_breakpoint\":\"m\",\"text_style\":\"\",\"text_color\":\"\",\"text_size\":\"\",\"column\":\"\",\"position\":\"\",\"position_z_index\":\"\",\"maxwidth\":\"\",\"maxwidth_breakpoint\":\"\",\"block_align\":\"\",\"block_align_breakpoint\":\"\",\"block_align_fallback\":\"\",\"text_align\":\"\",\"text_align_breakpoint\":\"\",\"text_align_fallback\":\"\",\"animation\":\"\",\"visibility\":\"\",\"content\":\"\n\n<p><strong>Q: When is the right time for a hearing test?<\\\/strong><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p><em>A: Sooner than you think<\\\/em><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What is the biggest risk of hearing loss ? \\u00a0\\u00a0<\\\/strong>\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p><em>A: Not knowing that you have a hearing loss\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0<\\\/em><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Who needs a hearing test? \\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0<\\\/strong>\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p><em>A: Everyone<strong>\\u00a0<\\\/strong><\\\/em><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Our hearing supplies us with vital information as well as causing us to experience emotions and recall memories. It enables us to enjoy the laughter of children, or the caring words whispered by a loved person either. Or what about nature\\u2019s comforting sounds: the evening song of a blackbird, the wind in the autumn leaves, the waves on the beach or the cracking sounds of a cosy bonfire<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<ul>\\n\n\n<li>Babies learning to speak- if you can\\u2019t hear, you can\\u2019t learn to speak easily.<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>School going children- are at risk for ear infections .These may temporarily interrupt hearing but permanently impact on the learning process.<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Teenagers- are at risk of noise damage due to listening to music at high volume<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Working population- to ensure work efficiency<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>The ageing population-World Health Organisation tells us that \\u201cold age hearing begins at \\u2026age 39! Over the age of 65, hearing loss is the third biggest chronic condition.<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>For our own safety: When walking near busy roads; to be alert for a cry for help; To be able to hear sounds that alert to danger like sirens and other traffic signals<\\\/li>\\n\n\n<li>Social interactions : Chatting with friends, interacting with grandchildren; Talking on the phone; watching TV together with others, participating in dinner conversations at a restaurant<\\\/li>\\n<\\\/ul>\\n\n\n<p><em><strong>The good news<\\\/strong><\\\/em><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>With wonderful technology there is help available. Connect with family and friends again<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Be in touch, stay in tune and remain independent.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p><strong>Don\\u2019t retire, rewire<\\\/strong><\\\/p>\"}}]}]}]}],\"version\":\"1.20.0\",\"props\":[]} --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How we hear What is hearing loss Hearing loss is the inability to hear partially or totally in one or both ears. Generally, sound is indicated by ‘frequency’ and ‘intensity’. In ‘frequency’, our ears can normally hear between 20 to 20,000 Hertz. When hearing threshold or the least hearing ability of a person is over […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.heargear.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/319"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.heargear.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.heargear.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.heargear.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.heargear.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=319"}],"version-history":[{"count":39,"href":"https:\/\/www.heargear.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/319\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":437,"href":"https:\/\/www.heargear.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/319\/revisions\/437"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.heargear.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=319"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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<\/p>\n<\/p>\n