Hearing tests are quick, painless and often free of charge – and a physician’s referral is not required.
You may find yourself turning up the volume on the TV or radio, or believe that people are mumbling. Or, more commonly, you may have trouble following conversations when there is a lot of background noise.
"If you notice that you're saying, 'Pardon me?' or 'What?' more often, that can be a sign of hearing loss," says Jillian Price, chief audiologist at ListenUP! Canada.
Hearing loss often progresses gradually and the signs that accompany it can be subtle. However, ignoring these signs comes with a cost: untreated hearing loss can contribute to a number of conditions, among them depression, anxiety, social isolation, cognitive decline and even dementia.
Why take a chance with hearing health when the alternative – getting a hearing test – is quick, painless and often free of charge?
"We suggest that people have at least one baseline hearing test during their adult life," says Price. "And regular monitoring for hearing should begin around age 60."
Unfortunately, this advice is not widely heeded. According to Statistics Canada, about 70 per cent of adults with measured hearing loss did not report any diagnosis by a health-care professional. "This speaks to the alarming number of individuals who are either unaware that they have hearing problems or have chosen to ignore the signs," says Price.
Lack of awareness can be one reason why people don't seek help. "Many don't know the signs associated with hearing loss," Price explains. "And it's often someone else – a family member or friend – who first notices changes in hearing. That makes diagnosis especially difficult for people who live alone."
In addition, monitoring hearing isn't included in the battery of tests that make up an annual physical checkup. "Our blood pressure, cholesterol levels and eyes get checked regularly, but hearing isn't usually on our family doctor's list," she says. "But since it's not necessary to have a doctor's referral for a hearing test, we hope that Canadians take the responsibility themselves.
"For the hearing test, you're asked to listen to a series of tones at different pitches – and you'll indicate when you hear the tone," says Price. An individual's results are then compared to the normal range of hearing. And the findings are communicated right away, she adds. "At the end of the appointment, which takes less than one hour, you know how well you are hearing."
Early intervention can limit the risk of developing side effects, says Price. "The research shows that if you treat hearing loss at earlier stages, you have higher rates of success with amplification and a better overall quality of life."
This goal resonates with the people Price encounters in the clinic. "On TV, a person with hearing loss is often portrayed as someone who doesn't understand what's going on and has nothing important to add to the conversation," Price explains. "This couldn't be further from the truth. The people I see are active and engaged. They seek help so they can enjoy their social activities to the fullest.
"For most of us, hearing loss is inevitable. It's a natural part of aging, but doesn't have to slow us down or silence our lives," she adds.
This content was produced by Randall Anthony Communications, in partnership with The Globe and Mail's advertising department. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.