Did you know that 10 to 20% of the population is affected by hearing loss? Yet, those who wear a hearing aid wait an average of ten years before getting help with their hearing.
This infographic contains everything you need to know about hearing tests. Hearing tests are easy and provide immediate results, so you can take action to improve your hearing today.
Interesting Hearing Facts
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 466 million people globally suffer from hearing loss. This number is expected to rise above 900 million by 2050; 5.3% of the world’s population will experience hearing loss in their better ear. That’s a lot of people turning up the volume and asking people to repeat themselves!
Hearing Statistics in Canada
About 19% of Canadian adults (4.6 million people) have at least mild hearing loss in the speech frequency range, which means they have difficulty hearing what others are saying. However, there are even more people in the adult population, 35% or 8.4 million, suffering from some degree of hearing loss in the high-frequency range, and have trouble hearing high-pitched sounds.
Overall, over 1 million Canadian adults reported having a hearing-related disability. Paring down even further to Ontario, according to the 2006 Canada census, 530,210 people in Ontario (4.74%) are deaf or hard of hearing.
How to Identify Hearing Loss
There is no reason to wait to identify hearing loss. If you are experiencing hearing issues, the most efficient and reliable way to discover whether you or a loved one suffers from hearing loss is to book a simple hearing test at our hearing clinic in London, Canada.
If you have been avoiding a hearing test out of embarrassment that it is a sign of “being old,” don’t let that stop you. Today’s hearing aids are practically invisible, providing an easy hearing loss solution that keeps you feeling younger while allowing you to remain social and active.
What to Expect From a Hearing Test
If you have avoided booking a hearing test or discussing hearing issues with your doctor, now is the time to do so. A hearing test is a straightforward procedure and the first step to addressing hearing challenges, so you can enjoy interacting with others again.
Here are the six steps to a hearing test:
1. Listening lifestyle consultation
During this time, you will discuss your medical history, hearing concerns, and lifestyle with a trusted hearing healthcare professional. This will ensure their recommendations meet your needs and preferences.
2. Physical ear examination
Next, your ears will be examined to ensure there are no signs of wax buildup, and to detect any medical concerns that may be directly related to your hearing loss.
3. Hearing assessment
An in-depth and comprehensive professional hearing assessment, including a series of different tests such as speech, words, tones, and pitches, will be performed.
4. Review your results
There is no wait for your test results as they are available immediately following your assessment. Your hearing healthcare professional will review your test results’ details, and you can ask any questions you might have. This allows you to understand your hearing loss, so you are better prepared to assess the solutions.
5. Professional recommendation
Once you’ve learned about your hearing loss, your hearing healthcare professional will review a professional recommendation to relieve your hearing issues. Along with their advice, they will consider your hearing aid size and colour preferences, desired listening lifestyle and budget, so you have the perfect solution for your personal needs.
6. Experience a live demonstration
Your hearing healthcare provider will conduct a live hearing aid demonstration so you can experience the benefits of a hearing device and rediscover the world of sound.
As you can see, there is nothing to worry about with a hearing test; it is a painless process involving easy tests to assess the level of your hearing loss. Additionally, there is no waiting or having to come back for your results. Instead, your products are reviewed on the spot, and recommendations are provided so you can improve your hearing right away.
When Do You Need a Hearing Test?
The way hearing challenges present themselves varies from person to person. However, some common signs it is time for a hearing test include:
1. Phone calls
If you experience difficulty hearing people on the phone, this could be a sign you have hearing loss. Voices might sound muffled, or you find yourself having to ask people to repeat themselves because you can’t hear what they are saying.
2. Volume up
If you find you are turning up the volume frequently to hear the TV, but others are complaining it is an uncomfortable level for them, chances are you are experiencing hearing loss. Often you think the volume is just right when it is far too loud for those with perfect hearing.
3. Sound direction
Sometimes people with hearing loss can have difficulty pinpointing what direction sound is coming from. You might think someone is calling your name in a crowded room from the left, when in fact, they are standing to your right. Or you might think you hear dripping inside the house when it is actually outside.
4. Muffled sounds
If you find when talking to people their voices seem muffled, and you are straining to read their lips when having a conversation, you more than likely have hearing loss.
5. History of loud environments
People who work or spend time in very loud environments often suffer hearing loss. This is because exposure to loud noise can damage the hairs or nerve cells in the cochlea, the area that sends sound signals to your brain.
6. Tinnitus
This is the perception you are hearing ringing or buzzing in your ears. This can make it difficult to hear.
To learn more about what happens at a hearing test, call Hearing Solutions at +1-888-811-9799 or contact us here.