Members of the public are encouraged to include hearing screening as part of their health routine, in a bid to prevent hearing loss. It is estimated that more than 1,5 billion people globally experience some level of hearing loss, and at least 430 million need hearing aids or other forms of support.
As far as South Africa is concerned, it is thought that more than 12 million (20%) of the total population experience some degree of hearing loss.
“Knowing your hearing status is essential, especially given that undiagnosed hearing loss can significantly impact mental well-being and cognitive health. Hearing loss can affect anyone and often progresses so gradually that it goes unnoticed,” said Bronwyn van Wyk, head of Audiology at Spec-Savers.
Early signs of hearing loss often develop gradually and may include frequently asking people to repeat themselves or experiencing a persistent ringing in the ears.
These symptoms can signal the onset of hearing loss and warrant a professional hearing assessment.
Conducted by an audiologist, a hearing assessment
is non-invasive and painless and can take as little as 40 minutes.
– Bronwyn van Wyk
Van Wyk said that because hearing can change at any age, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach for when to go for hearing tests.
“For most healthy adults, we usually recommend a baseline hearing test around the age of 40, even if you do not notice any problems.”
Van Wyk added that hearing difficulties were becoming more common among younger people, largely due to lifestyle factors such as prolonged headphone use at high volumes, frequent exposure to loud music at concerts or clubs, and noisy environments.
Unlike age-related hearing loss, this type of damage can occur much earlier and often goes unnoticed.
“Just like with eye tests, regular screenings help catch changes early so you can protect your hearing long-term.
“For children, hearing should be tested at birth, during early childhood developmental milestones, and again during school-age years. The purpose of a test for hearing loss is to determine not only if you have a hearing loss, but how mild or severe it is.
“Conducted by an audiologist, a hearing assessment is non-invasive and painless and can take as little as 40 minutes.
“This involves a physical check for any visual problems in the ear drum, using an otoscope, followed by a hearing test to evaluate how well a person hears sounds at different pitches and volumes.
“Should it be determined that a person needs a hearing aid, the audiologist will explain the available options.
“The statistics speak for themselves: One in ten people has a hearing problem. For people over the age of 45, the chances are one in four, and for those over 65 they are one in three.
“Despite being a major contributor to the global burden of disease, most people are unaware of hearing loss even if they suffer from it themselves,” said Van Wyk.
