Are you finding yourself saying “pardon” a lot? This Thursday was the World Health Organization’s Global Hearing Day, so there’s no better time to get your hearing checked.
Just ask 83-year-old Penrith yoga teacher Judy Morgan (pictured), who was finding it harder and harder to hear as she got older.
“I just noticed that I felt very, very out of it and not able to communicate like I normally would, because I couldn’t hear.
“When I was with a group, I felt very isolated, and when I was speaking one on one, I would be saying, ‘Oh, I beg your pardon?’ or ‘What? Can you tell me what you said?’ It was embarrassing,” she told The Donaldson Sisters.
When Judy finally got a hearing test, she found out she should have done it years ago – but the consultants helped her find just the hearing aid she needed.
“I haven’t looked back since – I’ve got my old confidence back. I’m able to do lectures, I’m able to communicate with people, whether it’s on a one on one or whether it’s with a group. I’m just back to my old wonderful self,” she said.
Hearing loss isn’t an uncommon worry among older Aussies, with 43 per cent of respondents in a survey by hearing specialist Audika, working with YouGov, saying they thought they had some degree of hearing loss.
Despite this, only around one in five said they were planning on taking a hearing test in the next twelve months. According to audiologist Nimi Naran, Head of Medical Services at Audika Australia & New Zealand, a 2020 study in The Lancet found that treating hearing loss early is one of 12 modifiable risk factors for dementia.
“The results indicate that those who sought help for their hearing reported being happier, leading healthier lives, and had more fulfilling relationships.
“By contrast, the Lancet study highlights the risks associated with hearing loss on one’s cognitive health,” she said.
Ms Naran recommends taking a free online hearing test – like the one Audika offers – as just one important step to taking better care of your ears.
“We need to be kinder to our ears, because you can reduce your risk of hearing loss. Turn your headphones down, wear ear protection when directed, get tested regularly and from an earlier age. ‘Love your ears’ means taking a proactive approach to your hearing,” she said.
While 39 per cent of current hearing aid wearers say they used to pretend to have better hearing than they did, almost half say they now have better conversations. Judy says it’s definitely not a subject to be shy about.
“There isn’t a lot of communication between people about hearing – a lot of people feel embarrassed.
“I feel that if you talk about the fact you have a hearing aid, and you’re quite open about it, that helps other people to take that step themselves,” she said.
In other words: be loud and proud about your hearing aid!
