Do I have a hearing problem?


 

Ask yourself the following questions. If you answer "yes" to three or more of these questions, you could have a hearing problem and may need to have your hearing checked by a qualified audiologist.

Do I misunderstand what others are saying and respond inappropriately?

Do I often ask people to repeat themselves?

Do I have trouble understanding the speech of women and children?

Do people complain that I turn the TV volume up too high?

Do I hear a ringing, roaring, or hissing sound a lot?

Do I have a problem hearing on the telephone?

Do I have trouble hearing when there is noise in the background?

Is it hard for me to follow a conversation when two or more people talk at once?

Do I have to strain to understand a conversation?

Do many people I talk to seem to mumble (or not speak clearly)?

See below for more information on hearing tests or click here to contact us.

It's important to make hearing screenings part of your annual physical examination schedule.

‘Take care of your body and your body will take care of itself’ – this is the message we are constantly hearing from the media and our colleagues who, meaning well, encourage us to lead healthy lifestyles.

We actively check our medical status; we know our blood pressure and cholesterol levels and we actively take vitamins and minerals to enhance our well-being. In addition to this health gyms are full of individuals who are taking care of themselves, wanting a longer more fulfilled life, but for some reason our ears are not seen in this protective frame. Sadly most individuals do not check their hearing regularly and ultimately do not know how good or bad their hearing levels are. This means that many individuals are functioning with hearing well below acceptable levels.

The ears are a complex but fragile sense organ and are an integral part of our social and emotional well being. Hearing problems can make it difficult talking with colleagues, family and friends, following instructions and advice, responding to warnings, or hearing doorbells and alarms. All of this can be frustrating, embarrassing, and even dangerous. The slightest loss of hearing can impact the way we communicate or how we respond. So great is the impact that when someone in the family has a hearing loss, the whole family is affected.

Ideally, adults should obtain a base line hearing test and then be screened at least every 5 years through to the age 50 and at 3-year intervals thereafter.  Having your hearing screened is both quick and easy, and currently inexpensive. Anyone who has worked in a noisy environment, enjoys listening to loud music or is experiencing hearing difficulties should contact one of the LifeSound stores.  LifeSound audiologists are specifically qualified to assess your hearing, discuss the results and, if a there is a hearing loss, advise you about a combination of modern technology and rehabilitation strategies that can both improve your listening skills and quality of life.

Our LifeSound stores are situated in Gateway, Theatre of Shopping and Victoria Square, Pietermaritzburg and are dedicated to educating the public about the importance of hearing health care. In addition to offering professional hearing tests by their resident audiologist, they also offer a wide range of hearing protection, enhancement and enjoyment products. To contact us click here.

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