Hearing Aid Types and Typical Cost of Purchase In 2021

Hearing Aid Types and Typical Cost of Purchase In 2021

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The Department of Health reports that around 3.6 million Australians suffer from varying degrees of hearing loss. There are many causes of hearing loss, but ageing and excessive noise are the two top causes of loss of hearing.

Hearing aids come in different styles and sizes, and certain styles may be better suited to particular hearing losses. Preference of style, budget, and degree of hearing loss are some of the most important things to consider when buying hearing aids in 2021.

But, how do you know what type of hearing aid to buy? How much should you spend on a hearing aid? This hearing aid buying guide will help you find the best hearing aid in terms of effectiveness and price.

Perths Trusted Hearing Aids Specialists

Different Types or Styles of Hearing Aids

Choosing a hearing aid isn’t just about choosing a style. Some hearing aids work better for some hearing conditions. If you want to know what type of hearing aid you should buy, you should know the different types of hearing aids in the market.

Invisible Hearing Aids

Invisible hearing aids sit deep in the ear canal, so only the person wearing the hearing aid knows it is there.These are small and discreet, and they’re perfect if you don’t want other people to know you wear hearing devices. Most invisible hearing aids are custom-fit and come in different skin-tone colours for extra discretion. Invisible hearing aids often do not have any on-board buttons to control the hearing aid volume or program; this is to keep the hearing aid nice and small. However, you can use a remote control, or even your smartphone for some models, to control an invisible hearing aid.

Invisible hearing aids are run by small batteries. There are three subtypes of invisible hearing aids:

  1. Lyric, which is an extended-wear hearing aid meaning it sits deep in the ear for months a a time. This device should not be removed by the wearer unless necessary to do so.
  2. Completely-In-Canal (CIC), which may have an on board control to allow you to control the function of the hearing aid. This is a daily-wear hearing aid meaning it can be removed by the wearer as needed.
  3. Invisible-In-Canal (IIC), which are the smallest daily-wear hearing aids. They have limited adjustability but are often described as ‘set and forget’ devices.
Lyric Lyric CIC
Lyric Hearing Aid IIC Hearing Aid CIC Hearing Aid

Behind-The-Ear Hearing (BTE) Aids 

BTE hearing aids sit behind the ear with a thick or thin tube that carries the sound into the ear canal via a custom made mould or a soft ear tip. BTE hearing aids typically take a larger battery, therefore making them last longer and easier to manage. Rechargeable batteries are also an option for BTE hearing aids. BTE hearing aids are one of the fully-subsidised options for eligible Pensioners and Veterans in Australia.

Behind The Ear Hearing BTE Aids

Behind The Ear Hearing BTE Aids

Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids

RIC hearing aids look similar to BTE hearing aids, only but they are smaller and more discreet. RIC hearing aids also sit behind the ear, but an electronic wire runs discreetly down the side of the ear into the ear to deliver the sound. This means that the speaker sits inside the ear, close to the eardrum, therefore providing a more clear sound. RICs are the most common style of hearing aid on the market for their versatility. RICs can take disposable batteries or be rechargeable. Many RICs now also have the ability to stream phone calls and audio from smartphones using bluetooth technology.

Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids

Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids

In-The-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

ITE hearing aids are customised to fit your ear structure; your Audiologist will take an impression of your ear so that a custom fit product can be achieved. ITEs sit on the outer portion of your ear. They’re smaller than BTE hearing aids but larger than RICs and invisible hearing aids.  Most ITE aids come in different skin-tone colours to help match your skin tone. Most ITE devices are powered with disposable batteries, but technology is advancing and there are now rechargeable ITE options on the market. ITE devices now also have bluetooth capability, meaning direct phone streaming is available.

In-The-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

In-The-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

Costs of Hearing Aids

Lessened productivity is a result of hearing loss. It may be challenging for people who are hard of hearing to find stable jobs, too. This loss of productivity, and the tendency to retire prematurely because of hearing conditions, is estimated to cost the world around $135 billion every year. Communication difficulties, social isolation, avoidance, and stigma attributes to about $740 billion more.

Hearing loss can be costly, and these numbers from WHO prove it. Hearing loss can negatively affect someone’s mental well-being. Furthermore, hearing loss can only get more expensive if left untreated. But luckily, hearing aids provide a cost-effective solution.

How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost?

The short answer is that hearing aids can cost anywhere from $1990 up to $3995 each; if you are an and Australian Pensioner or Veteran, you may be eligible for FREE hearing aids. The more in-detail answer is as follows.

There are many different hearing aids on the market, and with this comes a range of pricing which is dependent on the technology you opt for. Each hearing aid manufacturer has different styles of hearing aids (e.g. behind-the-ear or in-the-ear) and each of these styles come in different levels of technology. The level of technology refers to how advanced or ‘smart’ the hearing aid is, the overall sound quality of the hearing aid, and how well the hearing aid performs in a noisy environment. Simply put, the more advanced the hearing aid is, the more expensive it is.

On the lower end of the price range are the more basic hearing aids. These hearing aids perform great where there is minimal background noise present, such as one-to-one situations or with the TV. Mid-range or mid-priced hearing aids begin to perform better in situations where there is a degree of background noise present, such as small groups or meetings. The most advanced hearing aids will give the wearer the most support in noisy environments and work very well in a variety of noisy places such as cafes, restaurants, and large groups.

Many hearing aids are now rechargeable and use lithium-ion batteries which come at an extra cost. Having rechargeable batteries can add an extra $399 to $499 for the pair. This is an extra cost upfront, but it means you do not pay for disposable batteries for the life of the hearing aid, so it does work out to be more cost-effective in the long run.

Hearing Aid Features

Some hearing aids come equipped with features that may not be essential but can definitely make your life easier. For example, not all hearing aids can have rechargeable batteries. Some hearing aids, especially the smaller ones, can only run on disposable batteries.

Noise reduction is an essential hearing aid feature. But, some hearing devices have better noise reduction features than others. Some can even reduce wind noise levels. Noise reduction settings may be programmable, and some hearing aids have pre-programmed settings for meetings and many other social settings. Generally speaking, the more advanced or expensive the hearing aid is, the better the noise reduction features will be.

Directional microphones are used to pick up sounds better in a chosen direction. They may be used to pick up sounds coming from the wearer’s front, back, or sides. These are great to have in places where there are lots of background noises.

Remote controls allow hard of hearing wearers to change hearing aid settings without actually touching the hearing aids. You can even connect more modern hearing aids to smartphones. You just have to download the compatible app so you can control a connected hearing device.

Hearing Aid Buying Guide 2021

You may already have an idea about which type of hearing aid to get and how much your budget should be. But, how right are you? Here’s a step-by-step guide of how to get a hearing aid:

#1: Get checked

Book an appointment to determine your hearing levels and to find out precisely what type of hearing aid you need. There are many types of hearing aids in the market, and it may get too overwhelming to choose the best one. Besides, picking the wrong hearing aids or setting them up the wrong way can be detrimental.

A team of clinicians can help you choose the best hearing aid. They can help you choose a hearing aid based on your budget, preference, and current and projected hearing condition. As certified health profe

#2: Get trials

Professional audiologists will recommend suitable hearing aids based on your hearing condition. But, how do you know if you’re making the right choice? Hearing aids can be costly, so it’s understandable that you’d want to try them out first.

That’s why it’s common to get hearing aid trials. These trials are mostly for people to experience the difference that a hearing aid could make. They’re also designed to aid with the decision-making process. The trial normally lasts a week, which gives the wearer a good opportunity to try the hearing aids in different situations at home.

#3: Get guarantees

Natural hearing loss can be preventable. But once the damage has been done, hearing loss is typically irreversible. It’s normal for anyone with worsening hearing conditions to think about the future. Would their hearing aids still work after a few years? Would they need to get a new hearing aid then? Would hearing aids even work as their condition worsens?

Hearing aids normally have a working lifespan of 5 years. However, you can protect yourself from additional repair and maintenance costs by ensuring that the hearing aids you purchase come with a warranty. All hearing aids purchased from Hearing & Audiology come standard with a 3 year warranty, and additional warranty can be purchased if desired.

#4: Get set

The costs of hearing aids can vary widely. You also need to consider the cost of professional fees, accessories, rehabilitation, and other options. It can be expensive to get hearing conditions treated, and fortunately, Australia’s Hearing Services Program can offer subsidies. If you’re eligible for the program, they’d be able to help you with hearing devices, support, and other hearing services. Some insurance companies also offer hearing aid rebates.

Hearing and Audiology is a registered provider under the Hearing Services Program. You can book an appointment online or call us at 08 9388 8003. Our friendly and professional audiometrists, audiologists, and clinicians can help you get the best hearing aid for your condition.

What is Involved in a Hearing Loss Screening Test?

What is Involved in a Hearing Loss Screening Test?

Blog, Hearing Awareness, Hearing Loss, Hearing Test | 0 comments

There are many reasons you may need a hearing screening test. Whether you’re experiencing a slight loss of sound, you need an occupational test, or you have a child with suspected hearing problems—knowing what to expect will reduce any anxiety or stress on the day.

What is Involved in a Hearing Loss Screening Test

While any good audiologist or hearing specialist will tailor the test to the specific needs or condition of their patients, there are certain aspects that are common to almost all assessments.

If you want to know what to expect during a hearing loss screening test, read on because we’re going to tell you…

The consultation

To determine what type of hearing loss screening you might need, it’s common that an audiologist will conduct a consultation prior to the test itself. This is a process that may involve filling out forms and answering relevant questions.

As Perth’s leading hearing specialist, we offer free hearing consultations for all pensioners and detailed diagnostic consultations at our three WA-based clinics.

The hearing loss screening & testing

Once you’ve outlined your hearing or medical history and answered any relevant questions, you’ll be ready to start the screening process.

You may be a little nervous if you’ve never had a hearing test before, but to put your mind at ease, it’s important to know that whatever the circumstances, these tests aren’t painful or invasive.

With our WA-based hearing tests, no one size fits all. But here’s what you can expect from a general screening:

  • Pure-tone audiometry: Listening to a variety of tones and volumes in a sound-treated room or vessel.
  • Speech-based audiometry: Sitting in a quiet environment and listening to excerpts of speech at different volumes to determine your comfortable listening threshold.
  • Real-world-type hearing assessment: This form of screening is similar to speech-based audiometry, but in this instance, speech is mixed with real-world background sounds and noises.
  • Tympanometry: Sometimes an audiologist will conduct a tympanometry test which involves screening for your acoustic reflexes. Typically, a soft earplug is placed in the ear to check how effectively your ear muscles are moving while measuring your middle ear muscles’ reflexive response.

Whatever your hearing test involves, a professional audiologist will remain to guide you through the process from start to finish.

The results

At the end of your hearing loss screening test, your audiologist will take you through the results; explaining their findings in detail.

With your results explained in full, you will be offered treatment options tailored to your specific hearing issue.

At Hearing & Audiology Perth, we will help you find the best treatment for your needs and take you through the process step by step. We also offer an exceptional aftercare service, should you need it further down the line.

With over 34 years of specialist experience and an industry-leading team of clinicians, we can help you with all of your hearing needs.

If you’d like to book a hearing loss screening test at one of our three WA hearing clinics, call us on (08) 9388 8003 or book an appointment online. We’re here for you.

Tinnitus and Hearing Awareness Week

Tinnitus and Hearing Awareness Week

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Hearing Awareness Week is held each year to coincide with World Hearing Day on 3rd March. Hearing loss is a significant issue in Australia, costing $15 billion each year. Hearing loss is more common than heart disease, cancer and diabetes, and affects 70% of people over the age of 70. 

Tinnitus and Hearing Awareness Week

Tinnitus can be both a cause and a side effect of hearing loss and affects around 18% of the Australian population.

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of noise inside the head or ear, including ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing, roaring, or rushing, heard in either one or both ears. Occasionally, it can be the sound of music playing, particularly in older people.

For some people, tinnitus is constant, while for others, it comes and goes. It can sound to the sufferer as if it is coming from somewhere external, or it can be clear that it is from inside the head.

The noise that tinnitus sufferers can hear is not caused by any outside source but comes from a fault in the auditory system. It can be mild, causing annoyance but not interfering in everyday life. 

It can also be severe and debilitating. Tinnitus sufferers may experience poor concentration, fatigue and sleeping problems, stress, irritability, memory problems, anxiety and depression.

Causes of tinnitus

It has no single cause and can be a symptom of a number of underlying disorders. Depending on the cause it may be possible to treat or reduce tinnitus symptoms, while for others symptoms can be managed. People who have hearing loss are more likely to experience tinnitus, but it can affect anyone, of any age. Men are slightly more likely to have tinnitus than women.

Some common causes of tinnitus include:

Long-term exposure to loud noises

The ringing in your ears that you may have experienced following a loud music concert is a form of short-term tinnitus. It usually goes away within a few hours, but consistent exposure to loud noise, whether music or industrial equipment, can cause permanent tinnitus.

Age

Like other hearing problems, age can lead to tinnitus developing in later life. It tends to develop gradually as the ear’s delicate tissue degrades over time, particularly after age 60.

Infection

Ear infections can sometimes cause tinnitus. Though this is usually temporary, repeated ear infections and bouts of tinnitus may cause longer-term symptoms. It is important to have the underlying cause of recurring ear infections investigated.

Earwax 

We all need some earwax to protect the ear canal, keeping it free of dirt and bacteria. In some people, too much earwax develops, blocking the ear and sometimes causing tinnitus.

Ménière’s Disease

Though it is rare, this inner-ear disease often causes tinnitus, along with vertigo. 

Medication

Some types of medication can cause tinnitus, including aspirin, some antibiotics, cancer drugs and antidepressants.

Physical changes to the ear and head

There are a number of physical problems that can cause tinnitus. They include:

  • Eustachian tube dysfunction. The tube that connects the ear to the throat stays open rather than closing as it should. This often develops due to pregnancy or weight loss.
  • Otosclerosis (stiffening of the ear bones). This condition, which is often inherited, can cause tinnitus as the bones in the ear change and grow abnormally.
  • Temporomandibular joint problems. Problems with the joint that connects the jaw to the skull, just below the ear, can lead to tinnitus.
  • Tumours. A tumour in the head or neck can lead to increased pressure on the ear, resulting in tinnitus. An acoustic neuroma, or tumour on the cranial nerve, is particularly likely to result in tinnitus, usually in one ear.
  • Injuries. A perforated eardrum, which can result from a severe ear infection, loud noise or scuba diving, will often cause tinnitus in one ear. In addition, injuries to the head or neck can lead to tinnitus.

Treatment for tinnitus

Severe tinnitus can be deeply distressing, interfering with how you live your life, causing or exacerbating mental health problems and making it difficult to work. It is important to remember that almost all tinnitus can be effectively treated and improved, even if you have been told in the past that there is nothing that can be done.

Treating and managing tinnitus involves understanding how it works, adapting to the symptoms, and improving your psychological associations with it. The treatment of tinnitus depends on the cause, your lifestyle, your personality, and the severity of the condition. It may be that your tinnitus has a specific, treatable cause that we can identify. If it does not, then we will work out the most appropriate course of action to reduce your symptoms.

At Hearing & Audiology, we are passionate about helping people with tinnitus and know that the majority of tinnitus can be treated with the appropriate expertise and care. Our tinnitus specialists have trained with internationally recognised tinnitus experts so that the most up-to-date advancements in knowledge are passed on to you. At your appointment, we will discuss a personalised treatment and management plan with you, while providing strategies to better deal with your tinnitus symptoms. At the conclusion of all assessments, a written report will be sent to your doctor unless otherwise requested. 

To book an appointment with one of our tinnitus specialists, call (08) 9388 8003.

3 Signs Your Child May Need A Hearing Test

3 Signs Your Child May Need A Hearing Test

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As a vital human sense, hearing plays a significant role in the way we interact with the world around us, particularly when we’re growing.

Hearing is vital to your child’s development as it will shape the way they learn, focus, and communicate with others. If your child is having difficulties with their hearing, they will feel locked out from the world which will stunt their personal progress.

3 Signs Your Child May Need A Hearing Test

If you have concerns about your child’s hearing abilities but you’re unsure whether to take action, here are three definitive signs that your child might need a hearing test.

1) Saying “What?” More Frequently

One of the most prominent signs of hearing loss or difficulties is asking people to repeat themselves frequently.

If your child is asking “what?” more often than usual when you are talking to them (or they’re requesting that you repeat your sentence or instructions a lot), it may not just be a case of ‘selective listening’—it could be because of hearing difficulties.

Has this become a familiar behaviour? It might be time to book your child a hearing test.

2) Attention & focus-based issues

If your child has problems focusing their attention for extended periods of time or they find it difficult to hold a conversation on a specific subject, they could be finding it difficult to process sounds.

Naturally, younger children will zone out or bounce from one thing to the next, but if you feel that a lack of attention is getting in the way of your child’s development, booking a hearing test might be the first step in helping them.

3) Louder speech & louder volume

Has your child started talking at louder volumes than usual? And, do they play music or watch television at a higher volume than usual?

If you’ve answered yes, this may be a sign of hearing challenges—and it will require immediate attention. While your child might be experimenting with speech and sound, if they are experiencing audio-based issues, a hearing test will help you get to the root of the cause.

For your reference, here are other possible signs of child hearing issues:

  • Responding to you sometimes and not others.
  • Falling behind in certain areas of education.
  • Looking at your face intensely when you’re speaking.
  • Moving one ear forward or leaning in when they are listening to someone speak.

There are several reasons for hearing loss and many subtle signs that your child may need a hearing test. If you have any concerns at all, booking a hearing test is without a doubt, the best course of action.

As a leading hearing specialist in Perth with Subiaco, Duncraig, Geraldton & Karratha, we’ve helped countless people tackle a range of hearing issues. Our specialist staff and cutting-edge equipment and highly-trained audiologists will guide your child through every step of the journey.

We are official members of professional bodies, Audiological Society of Australia, Australian College of Audiology and Independent Audiology Australia—and with over 30 years of professional experience, you can count on us.

For more information about our cutting-edge hearing healthcare services, please call (08) 9388 8003. Or book an appointment at one of our Perth branches today—we look forward to meeting you.

What You Need to Know About Earwax

What You Need to Know About Earwax

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Ear Wax

If you’ve noticed that your ears feel full and your hearing is duller than it used to be, earwax could be to blame.

Everyone has earwax, also known as cerumen, and everyone needs it. It protects and lubricates your ear canal, stopping dust, water and anything else damaging from getting in. Without earwax, your ears, and hearing, would quickly become damaged.

But you can have too much of a good thing, and too much earwax can lead to mild deafness, a feeling of fullness in your ear, ringing in your ear, or an earache. If you wear hearing aids, the wax build-up can cause your hearing aid to whistle.

How much earwax should you have?

Everyone produces different amounts of earwax. If it’s not causing hearing loss or pain, then you probably don’t have too much (though always get it checked out if you’re worried.)

Earwax is produced in the outer part of your ear canal and naturally moves out of your ears as they clean themselves. This leads to the gunk that you might be able to see outside your ear. It could be sticky and yellow-brown in colour, or it might be dry and grey. Either is completely normal.

If you can see earwax outside your ear, that’s a good thing. It means your ears are doing their job of cleaning out old and excess wax. Simply clean away any wax you can see outside your ears, and leave the wax inside your ear to do its job.

Ear Wax

When should you worry about earwax?

Wax becomes a problem if it can’t make its way out of your ear. If there is wax stuck in your ear, this could be because you have narrow or bendy ear canals, or because your body has started to produce too much wax and your ears can’t clean it out fast enough.

When this happens, many people reach for the cotton buds. Never do this – it will just push the wax further in and compact it, potentially damaging your ear and hearing.

What can you do about earwax?

  • Use wax-softening drops or oil twice a week (or according to the instructions on the box).
  • Limit ear cleaning to the outer ear only.
  • Treat any associated inflammatory skin conditions.
  • Get excess wax removed professionally.

If your ears are blocked with wax and you’re experiencing pain or hearing loss as a result, then we recommend you get the wax removed. Wax softening drops can be very helpful, but they aren’t always able to work through particularly troublesome wax.

How we can help you with earwax

We specialise in wax removal at Hearing & Audiology.

We use advanced methods of micro-suction as well as manual extraction using specialised instruments to safely remove wax from your ears. You don’t need a doctor’s referral to book your wax removal appointment.

For more information or to speak to one of our audiologists, call us today or book your free consultation online now.

Hearing 101: The Ultimate Guide To How Your Hearing Works

Hearing 101: The Ultimate Guide To How Your Hearing Works

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Ear Diagram

If you are experiencing hearing problems or any other problem with your ears, it is useful to have an idea of how your hearing works. We’ve put together a guide for you to help you understand this sensory organ better.

Physical Structure and Function

The ear is the organ responsible for hearing. Hearing is our perception of sound. The anatomy of the ear is quite intricate but is made up of three main parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear.

The Outer Ear

The outer ear includes all visible parts such as the earlobe and the auricle. The auricle is the bit of cartilage covered by skin. Together the ear lobe and auricle are called the pinna.

The outer ear also consists of the auditory canal—also called the ear canal—and the tympanic membrane, which is the outer layer of the eardrum.

The special shape of the outer ear captures sound. Sound travels down the ear canal and causes the eardrum to vibrate. These vibrations move the bones of the middle ear.

The Middle Ear

The middle ear includes the eardrum and the ossicles, which are the tiny bones of the middle ear. Most of us learn the names of these bones in school:

  1. the hammer (or malleus) – a long handles attached to the eardrum;
  2. the anvil (or incus) – the bridge bone between the hammer and the stirrup; and
  3. the stirrup (or stapes), which is the footplate, and the smallest bone in the human body.

The bones of the middle ear are designed to amplify the sounds we hear.

Also part of the middle ear is the eustachian tube. It equalises the pressure between the air outside the ear and pressure within the middle ear.

The tube is normally closed but can open involuntarily when you swallow, yawn or chew. You can intentionally open it to equalize pressure in the ears when at high altitudes or when flying in a plane. When this happens, you will probably hear a soft popping sound.

The Inner Ear

The inner ear is where sound is converted into electrical signals and transmitted to the brain. The parts of the inner ear are

  • the oval window, connecting the middle ear to the inner ear
  • semicircular ducts, filled with fluid and attached to the cochlea and nerves, that send information to the brain on balance and position of the head
  • the spiral-shaped cochlea that transforms sound into signals that get sent to the brain; and
  • the auditory tube, which drains fluid from the middle ear into the throat behind the nose

The three small bones in the middle ear move the fluid in the cochlea, which causes movement of tiny hair cells within. Movement of these hair cells creates electrical impulses which are sent along the auditory nerve to the brain.

To hear, all three sections must function correctly and be working together.

What Causes Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss occurs if any of the structures of the ear are not functioning properly. Alternatively, if the part of the brain which processes sound is not working properly, sounds may become distorted or inaudible, and cause hearing loss.

hearing loss

Types of Hearing Loss

We are going to get a little technical now, but hopefully in a way that makes sense to you. The three basic types of hearing loss are called conductive, sensorineural, and mixed.

The information in this article is for general awareness only and is not intended as expert advice. We recommend that you consult an ear specialist if you experience any of the symptoms of hearing loss listed below.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound does not reach the eardrum and the middle ear easily through the ear canal. If you have conductive hearing loss, sounds will seem softer and harder to hear. Usually, this kind of hearing loss can be corrected medically or surgically.

Causes of conductive hearing loss include:

  • Fluid in the middle ear from colds or allergies
  • Ear infection (also called otitis media)
  • Poor eustachian tube function
  • Hole in the eardrum
  • Too much earwax (cerumen)
  • Swimmer’s ear (external otitis)
  • Foreign body trapped in the ear canal
  • Malformation of the outer ear, ear canal, or middle ear

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) occurs if there is damage to the inner ear or the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain. SNHL is the most common type of permanent hearing loss since medical or surgical correction is not often possible.

People with SNHL have difficulty hearing faint sounds. Even if speech is loud enough to hear, it may still be experienced as unclear or muffled.

hearing

Possible causes of SNHL include:

  • Certain drugs toxic to hearing
  • Genetic or hereditary hearing loss
  • Ageing
  • Head trauma
  • Malformation of the inner ear
  • Exposure to loud noise.

Some people experience a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, called mixed hearing loss.

Remember that hearing loss is often gradual. It is normally the people around you, rather than you yourself, who will recognise the symptoms first. Don’t be stubborn: get your hearing checked!

Take Care of Your Ears!

Taking good care of your ears is much like taking good care of your teeth and hair. It should be part of your routine. Here’s a quick checklist of what you should and shouldn’t do:

Do:

  • get your ears and hearing checked regularly
  • have a professional remove excessive ear wax or any small object stuck in the ear canal
  • use earplugs to protect your hearing in noisy environments
  • dry your ears after showering or swimming
  • stay physically active; a healthy circulation system helps keep your ears healthy.

Don’t:

  • put cotton swabs in your ear canal, or poke about with other objects
  • crank up your headphone volume
  • ignore pain or drainage from your ears — go to a doctor
  • smoke; smoking compromises the circulation system, which affects your hearing.

Importance of Ear Tests

Even if you don’t notice any reduction in your hearing ability, you should have your ears tested periodically. Loss of hearing can affect you at any age.

Early diagnosis of possible hearing problems in children is important too. This is mainly because hearing problems can cause delays in language learning, and learning skills generally.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about your hearing or ear problems, we urge you to contact Audiologists from Hearing and Audiology or a hearing specialist near you soon.

Did you know that Hearing and Audiology gives pensioners a free hearing consultation? If you live in the Perth area, or in Geraldton, get in touch to book an appointment.