In Switzerland, one in twelve people suffers from hearing difficulties, rising to one in three for people aged 65 and over. Many people refuse to consider hearing aids, even though loss of hearing can lead to social isolation.
Many people with older friends and relatives will be familiar with statements such as “I don’t need a hearing aid” or “I hear what I need to hear”. Younger people often don’t know how to react when the person they’re talking to just smiles instead of answering a question, or starts talking about something that bears no relation to the current conversation. This is not an easy situation, particularly when those affected simply refuse to accept there is a problem.
Starting a conversation about hearing problems
Particularly in the early stages, many people do not want to admit that they are experiencing hearing loss. The most common cause of hearing loss is age-related damage to the sensitive hair cells inside the inner ear. The first signs often become evident between the ages of 40 and 50. Others are often accused of mumbling or speaking too quietly.
It is important to try to open up a conversation with someone whose hearing may be impaired. Being hard of hearing can lead to social isolation and a more rapid deterioration in cognitive function. The sooner a hearing aid is used, the better.
Not just down to age
Hearing loss is not always due to age, however, but can also be caused by external factors such as chronic noise damage, infections or tumours. In some cases a congenital condition may be the culprit, often caused by viral infections or excessive alcohol consumption during the mother’s pregnancy. Some nerves may also fail to form properly as the body develops.
Help in and around the ear
Most problems can be solved with a hearing aid or implant. A lot of people are put off by the thought of having a large hearing aid on their ear. However, there are now numerous models that sit discreetly in the ear canal and are practically invisible from the outside. The hearing aids are fine-tuned by an audiologist.
In more serious cases, sufferers can have an implant fitted in a minor operation. The implant converts noise into electrical impulses that stimulate the auditory nerve in the inner ear. As with a hearing aid, the audio processor with its transmitter coil is tucked behind the ear.
