Why should I get my hearing tested?

Research has indicated a significant link between age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline, i.e. memory, thinking and judgement. This may be due to a lack of hearing stimulation caused by hearing loss or the social isolation that hearing loss can lead to. A further explanation is that a hearing loss could lead to the brain being overworked through straining to hear and understand. There is also evidence to show that using hearing aids can slow down the rate of natural hearing decline.

How do I know if I need a hearing test?

Typical signs of hearing loss include:

• Asking people to repeat things or misunderstanding what has been said
• Difficulty following conversations in groups
• Family/friends suggesting you are having difficulty hearing and have the TV or radio volume set too loud
• Difficulty hearing on the phone
• Avoiding social events due to hearing difficulties

CEDA Healthcare Hearing Assessment

Here at CEDA Healthcare we recommend regular hearing tests for those who are over 55 or for those with any concern regarding their hearing. You will be seen by a fully qualified and registered hearing aid audiologist who will provide a detailed assessment including:

• background hearing and medical history interview
• review of the characteristics and impact of your hearing on your everyday life
• investigation of the outer ear using otoscopy
• removal of earwax using microsuction if required
• pure tone audiometry to determine the level and type of hearing loss
• tympanometry to investigate middle-ear function when required
• an in-depth explanation of your hearing ability
• a hearing assessment report and recommendations for onward referral to other healthcare professionals when required

My hearing assessment showed I have some hearing loss so what happens next?

Your hearing aid audiologist will discuss the options available to you including the use of hearing aids if appropriate. You will receive a detailed explanation of the different types of hearing aids suitable for your hearing loss and lifestyle. We offer a free hearing aid demonstration to give you the experience of amplified sound and to get a feel for wearing hearing aids. We provide hearing aids made by one of the industry’s leading manufacturers and have received very positive feedback from our customers. To find out more about the hearing aids we provide click here.

Please note – we recommend that when you attend your hearing assessment you bring along a family member or friend so we can build a more detailed picture of your current hearing ability in day-to-day life. It is also useful to have a familiar voice available should you choose to have a hearing aid demonstration.

By Peter Athawes, Audiologist