World Hearing Day falls on 3 March this year, highlighting this very important aspect of human physiology.
- Marleen Human, a local audiologist of 26 years, says you should seek professional help if you experience any of the following symptoms:Increased difficulty in hearing clearly in the presence of others, or competing sounds such as a noisy restaurant or if a radio or television is on in the same room.) A need to ask for repetition more often than other people.) You find that speech is not clear.) You need to increase the volume of the television, radio or phone.) You have difficulty understanding people with accents.) You need to lean forward during a conversation, especially in noise.) You are having difficulty judging the direction of sound.) Your hearing does not feel the same in both ears on both sides.) You notice a new or unusual symptom.) You hear a constant sound in one or both ears, that does not go away.) You become highly sensitive to sound.) You experience sensations of blockage in one or both ears.) You experience dizziness.) You become very irritated with specific sounds to the extent that they disrupt your normal quality of life.) You experience unusual fatigue in noisy places or become reluctant to go out and enjoy a normal level of social interaction (compared to your usual normal desires).) You have a family history of hearing-loss.) If you experience pain or discharge in one or both of your ears, consult see your medical doctor for treatment, but have your hearing checked afterwards.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2050, there will be more than 900 million people living with disabling hearing-loss.
“Get your hearing tested,” says Human.
Early detection can prevent total hearing-loss, and hearing-aids reduce the risk of mental decline.
“One in every two adults has difficulty understanding speech in a noisy environment, and hearing impairment inhibits the development of communication in babies,” Human concluded.
