Do I have hearing loss? Do I need hearing aids? - Auckland Hearing<\/title>\n<meta \="" content='\"index,' follow,="" max-image-preview:large,="" max-snippet:-1,="" max-video-preview:-1\"="" name='\"robots\"'/>\n<link \="" href='\"http:\/\/aucklandhearing.co.nz\/hearing-aids\/do-i-have-hearing-loss-do-i-need-hearing-aids\/\"' rel='\"canonical\"'/>\n<meta \="" content='\"en_US\"' property='\"og:locale\"'/>\n<meta \="" content='\"article\"' property='\"og:type\"'/>\n<meta -="" \="" aids?="" auckland="" content='\"Do' do="" have="" hearing="" hearing\"="" i="" loss?="" need="" property='\"og:title\"'/>\n<meta \="" content='\"http:\/\/aucklandhearing.co.nz\/hearing-aids\/do-i-have-hearing-loss-do-i-need-hearing-aids\/\"' property='\"og:url\"'/>\n<meta \="" content='\"Auckland' hearing\"="" property='\"og:site_name\"'/>\n<meta \="" content='\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/AuckHearing\"' property='\"article:author\"'/>\n<meta \="" content='\"2019-02-10T20:51:02+00:00\"' property='\"article:published_time\"'/>\n<meta \="" content='\"2019-03-18T17:37:40+00:00\"' property='\"article:modified_time\"'/>\n<meta \="" content='\"https:\/\/aucklandhearing.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/hearing-loss-me.jpg\"' property='\"og:image\"'/>\n\t<meta \="" content='\"887\"' property='\"og:image:width\"'/>\n\t<meta \="" content='\"293\"' property='\"og:image:height\"'/>\n<meta \="" content='\"summary_large_image\"' name='\"twitter:card\"'/>\n<meta by\"="" content='\"Written' name='\"twitter:label1\"'/>\n\t<meta content='\"Maree' name='\"twitter:data1\"' o\u2019sullivan\"=""/>\n\t<meta content='\"Est.' name='\"twitter:label2\"' reading="" time\"=""/>\n\t<meta content='\"7' minutes\"="" name='\"twitter:data2\"'/>\n<script class='\"yoast-schema-graph\"' type='\"application\/ld+json\"'></script>

{"id":931,"date":"2019-02-11T09:51:02","date_gmt":"2019-02-10T20:51:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aucklandhearing.co.nz\/?p=931"},"modified":"2019-03-19T06:37:40","modified_gmt":"2019-03-18T17:37:40","slug":"do-i-have-hearing-loss-do-i-need-hearing-aids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aucklandhearing.co.nz\/hearing-aids\/do-i-have-hearing-loss-do-i-need-hearing-aids\/","title":{"rendered":"Do I have hearing loss? Do I need hearing aids?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cPerceived need\u201d is the main reason for the<\/span><\/h3>\n
slow uptake of hearing aids for some people.<\/span><\/h3>\n
The\u00a0perception that hearing loss is not severe enough<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Why? \u2013 because people adjust<\/h2>\n
Gradually over time, the person with the hearing loss adjusts to not being able to hear, and the people around them change by speaking louder and directly to them. Eventually, as communication\u00a0as it gets too hard, friends and family start choosing to share less. They stop telling jokes or sharing inconsequential news and discuss only significant matters.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
$\"Hearing$
Hearing loss is sneaky…<\/p><\/div>\n
Hearing loss is \u201cinvisible\u201d. It is also sneaky\u2026<\/h3>\n
<\/div>\n
Hearing loss is usually gradual:\u00a0first, you have to concentrate harder to follow the conversation in a cafe, next socialising becomes tiring from all the extra effort you need to use to understand the banter; soon you mis-hear the directions and find yourself asking for repeats.<\/p>\n
<\/h3>\n
Eventually, people take one of two paths:<\/h3>\n
\n
To withdraw into your own world, keep to yourself or stop going out<\/li>\n
to become the life of the party because while you are talking, it doesn\u2019t matter if you cannot hear\u2026 right?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
$\"Do$
Do I have a hearing loss?<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/h2>\n
<\/h2>\n
What brought you to this page?<\/h2>\n
\n
Have you noticed that you have been missing the details more often?<\/li>\n
Are you struggling to follow along in a group conversation?<\/li>\n
Or \u2013 have other people suggested that you don\u2019t always hear them?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Hearing loss affects people of all ages. There are many reasons for hearing loss including hereditary factors, noise exposure, trauma and ear pathology. Hearing loss does become more common as we age due.<\/p>\n
Hearing loss is invisible<\/p>\n
Hearing loss is painless<\/p>\n
Hearing loss is gradual<\/p>\n
Hearing loss is sneaky<\/strong><\/p>\n
<\/div>\n
In the beginning, the hearing\u00a0loss takes away\u2026<\/h3>\n
\n
The beginning of the sentence,<\/li>\n
The little details,<\/li>\n
The Punchline\u2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
With time\u00a0hearing loss may\u2026<\/h2>\n
\n
\u2026 increase mental fatigue \u2013 as you concentrate harder just to follow along- leaving you feeling exhausted at the end of the day<\/li>\n
\u2026 begin to erode your confidence \u2013 as you are no longer sure about what was said<\/li>\n
\u2026 cause you to ask for repeats \u2013 when you miss the first word<\/li>\n
\u2026 lead you to feel embarrassed about missing the details or about having to ask for repeats too often<\/li>\n
\u2026 make you feel less interested in socialising, choosing to stay home as it is easier that way.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The gradual nature of hearing loss means that we adapt over time. \u00a0We change our behaviour, we choose our environments, and slowly our relationships change as everyone adapts to the change in our hearing.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hearing loss is\u00a0invisible\u00a0and sneaky.<\/span><\/h3>\n
As it changes, we adjust.<\/span><\/h3>\n
Gradually it affects personality and relationships.<\/span><\/h3>\n
Hearing loss changes us over time.<\/span><\/h3>\n
\u00a0Maree O\u2019Sullivan<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n
Effects of hearing loss on you<\/h2>\n
Having hearing loss does not usually mean that you stop hearing all sounds equally; the hearing loss pattern will depend on the cause of the hearing loss. \u00a0In many cases, hearing loss begins in the high pitches leaving the hearing for low tones in the normal range. Words will start to sound dull or become less clear, resulting in a reduced understanding of speech, especially in difficult listening situations. For example, in a group of people, hearing while the TV or radio are on in the background or trying to understand conversation in a large echoey room. \u00a0Although for some types of hearing loss (conductive) people hear well in noisy environments, where people are speaking loudly but cannot understand quiet speech.<\/p>\n
The way you respond to reducing hearing clarity will depend on your personality,\u00a0the degree and shape of your hearing loss and how long your hearing has been deteriorating. \u00a0Most people with hearing loss find it tiring to follow the conversation, as their brain has to work harder to fill in all the sound\u00a0gaps that they miss \u2013<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2026now was that\u00a0See\u00a0or\u00a0Tea? \u00a0Must be Tea \u2013 that makes more sense.\u201d<\/h3>\n
This is called auditory fatigue.<\/h3>\n
\n
$\"auditory$
Auditory fatigue<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
Often people find the tiredness from auditory fatigue gets worse at the end of the day. \u00a0It can be harder to keep up with fast conversation, especially in a group or if people are facing away.<\/p>\n
Many people tell me that they have felt embarrassed by their hearing loss at some point, either because they have misunderstood someone or they felt embarrassed asking for repeats.\u00a0Some people find it easier to step back from the intense concentration they need to use to stay in the conversation and slip into their own thoughts. Others will talk more, as when you are talking you do not need to hear. \u00a0Unfortunately, both of these options lead to a change in relationships over time.<\/p>\n
Impact of Hearing Loss<\/h2>\n
Hearing loss impact varies between individuals and is influenced by many factors including degree and cause of hearing disorders, length of untreated hearing loss and personality. We know hearing disorders\u00a0leads to social isolation, personality\u00a0change\u00a0and in some people increases the chance of anxiety and depression. \u00a0Studies have also found a strong link between hearing disorders\u00a0and the development of dementia.\u00a0This\u00a0US article outlines the effects of untreated hearing disorder in adults.<\/a><\/p>\n
It takes up to 10 years to seek help with hearing loss<\/h2>\n
So why do we wait to do something about Hearing disorders?<\/h3>\n
\n
Hearing loss is invisible<\/li>\n
Hearing loss is gradual<\/li>\n
People are great at adapting to their situation and change in hearing<\/li>\n
Family members help to compensate<\/li>\n
There is a history of stigma around hearing aids<\/li>\n
There is a history of poor technology in hearing aids<\/li>\n
We \u201cjust get on with it\u2026\u201d<\/li>\n
Change is hard! \u2026 and takes motivation<\/li>\n
We don\u2019t understand what is involved in getting and using hearing aids\u2026\n
\n
What is the process of getting hearing aids?<\/a><\/li>\n
What is the cost of hearing aids?<\/a><\/li>\n
What is the right hearing solution for me?<\/a><\/li>\n
Do I need to wear them all the time?<\/li>\n
How do I look after hearing aids?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Do you think you may have hearing loss?<\/h2>\n
Are you ready to take the first step?<\/h2>\n
$\"Hearing$
Hearing test<\/p><\/div>\n
The first step is to have a full hearing assessment. This will assess your hearing level as well as pinpoint where in the\u00a0ear the hearing loss originates. Hearing loss may be described as:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
Conductive \u2013 where there is a blockage stopping the sound from reaching the cochlear (outer or middle ear)<\/li>\n
Sensorineural \u2013 where the cochlear is not able to detect all the sounds<\/li>\n
Retrocochlear \u2013 where sound cannot be processed by the brain due to a blockage along the hearing pathway.<\/li>\n
An auditory processing disorder (APD) \u2013 where the brain cannot process the sound it detects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
The discussion after the hearing assessment will give you knowledge and understanding about your hearing and how\u00a0it affects your life at the moment. \u00a0If you are ready and interested,\u00a0we will talk to you<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0about the options we have for helping you with your hearing and what is involved. We will discuss the\u00a0 hearing aid funding options\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>available for you. We will even\u00a0fit you with some hearing aids<\/a>,\u00a0<\/strong>and you can go next door to the cafe for a cup of coffee while you try them out.\u00a0 From here, it is up to you to decide your next step.<\/p>\n
Hearing aids are the most common and effective way to help people with hearing loss (after excluding medical reasons). However, before trialling hearing aids, it is important that you are ready in yourself, to go through the hearing aid process. It must be your decision, not someone else\u2019s\u2026<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
So\u2026 what was it that brought you to this page?<\/h2>\n
I hope this article helped you gain a greater understanding of hearing loss and its effects. Maybe the subject could be rephrased.\u00a0Rather than the question being\u00a0\u201cDo I need hearing aids?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n
Perhaps,\u00a0the question\u00a0could be\u00a0\u201cWould I like to communicate\u00a0easily\u00a0with the people that matter to me?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n
\n
Do you want to converse easily?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n
\n
Do you want hearing aids?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n
$\"Do$
Do you want to communicate easily?- Do you want hearing aids?<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/h2>\n
\u201cDo I need hearing aids?\u201d<\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n
Well\u2026 \u201cDo you need hearing aids?\u201d\u00a0Do you want to be part of the conversation?<\/p>\n
Hearing loss is common. Many people wear hearing aids.\u00a0 Have you noticed them? Click here for more…<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A bit about Auckland Hearing<\/h2>\n
\n
$\"Anna$
Anna and Maree – At Auckland Hearing<\/p><\/div><\/figure>\n
Auckland Hearing is an\u00a0independent hearing aid and audiology clinic<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>set up by\u00a0Maree O\u2019Sullivan<\/a><\/strong>. \u00a0Maree
\nhas worked in Audiology for nearly 25 years and started Auckland Hearing so she could focus on the needs of each client (rather than\u00a0corporate profits).<\/p>\n
We provide a full range of hearing\u00a0services<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and work with all of the\u00a0Ministry of Health approved hearing aid brands<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0in New Zealand. This means we\u00a0can fit the hearing aids that best suit your needs.<\/p>\n
Call Anna to\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/span>book your appointment with <\/a><\/strong><\/span>Maree now.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":932,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[646,647,812],"tags":[401],"yoast_head":"\nDo I have hearing loss? Do I need hearing aids? - Auckland Hearing<\/title>\n<meta \="" content='\"index,' follow,="" max-image-preview:large,="" max-snippet:-1,="" max-video-preview:-1\"="" name='\"robots\"'/>\n<link \="" href='\"http:\/\/aucklandhearing.co.nz\/hearing-aids\/do-i-have-hearing-loss-do-i-need-hearing-aids\/\"' rel='\"canonical\"'/>\n<meta \="" content='\"en_US\"' property='\"og:locale\"'/>\n<meta \="" content='\"article\"' property='\"og:type\"'/>\n<meta -="" \="" aids?="" auckland="" content='\"Do' do="" have="" hearing="" hearing\"="" i="" loss?="" need="" property='\"og:title\"'/>\n<meta \="" content='\"http:\/\/aucklandhearing.co.nz\/hearing-aids\/do-i-have-hearing-loss-do-i-need-hearing-aids\/\"' property='\"og:url\"'/>\n<meta \="" content='\"Auckland' hearing\"="" property='\"og:site_name\"'/>\n<meta \="" content='\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/AuckHearing\"' property='\"article:author\"'/>\n<meta \="" content='\"2019-02-10T20:51:02+00:00\"' property='\"article:published_time\"'/>\n<meta \="" content='\"2019-03-18T17:37:40+00:00\"' property='\"article:modified_time\"'/>\n<meta \="" content='\"https:\/\/aucklandhearing.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/hearing-loss-me.jpg\"' property='\"og:image\"'/>\n\t<meta \="" content='\"887\"' property='\"og:image:width\"'/>\n\t<meta \="" content='\"293\"' property='\"og:image:height\"'/>\n<meta \="" content='\"summary_large_image\"' name='\"twitter:card\"'/>\n<meta by\"="" content='\"Written' name='\"twitter:label1\"'/>\n\t<meta content='\"Maree' name='\"twitter:data1\"' o\u2019sullivan\"=""/>\n\t<meta content='\"Est.' name='\"twitter:label2\"' reading="" time\"=""/>\n\t<meta content='\"7' minutes\"="" name='\"twitter:data2\"'/>\n<script class='\"yoast-schema-graph\"' type='\"application\/ld+json\"'></script>