Information

Hearing loss is very common, with the prevalence growing with age. Fifteen per cent of adults report hearing difficulties. In adults aged 65 to 74 nearly 25 per cent have hearing loss, rising to 50 per cent in those over 75 years of age.

Symptoms of hearing loss include:

• Conversation sounding muffled or unclear when among family and friends.
• Difficulty understanding speech, especially in groups or when noise is present.
• Asking others to repeat themselves.
• Turning the television volume up.
• Mistaking similar words in conversation. E.g., lake and cake.
• Avoiding social situations and conversations because of hearing difficulties.
• Trouble using the telephone.
• Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, hissing sounds in the ear).

The majority of cases of hearing loss are permanent; however one does not need to live in a muffled world. Today’s hearing aids do an excellent job of helping people hear.

For more detailed information on medical conditions and hearing loss click here

At McIntyre Hearing Clinic we provide comprehensive hearing assessments. The test is quick, easy and painless, typically taking between 30 and 60 minutes. Your appointment will begin with a case history and the opportunity to share any hearing concerns.

Next, the audiologist will look into your ear with an otoscope. This allows the audiologist to check for wax blockages and examine the outer ear, ear canal and ear drum. The audiologist will then do several different tests to determine if a hearing loss is present.

After testing is completed, the audiologist will go over your results with you, explaining the type and severity of your hearing loss – if present.

The audiologist may then recommend the following:

• No further testing if the hearing test is normal.
• A hearing aid trial.
• Medical follow up with your family doctor or otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT)) if a medically corrective problem is identified.