Sponsored Post in conjunction with Australian Hearing.
As we get older, all too often we start saying, “What,” a lot. And yikes, it’s generally all down to our hearing.
How often do you consider your hearing and its health? If you’re like me, not very much because I think there’s a certain stigma attached to hearing loss.
Obviously there shouldn’t be, because often it’s just a part of the normal ageing process, and we shouldn’t be stigmatised for getting old.
But before we go on, if you’re ready for a smile, then have a look at this humorous video about hearing loss, and getting your hearing checked.
Table of Contents
Hearing Fit
Australian Hearing are encouraging people to stay Hearing Fit. They want us all to be looking after our hearing health as much as our physical health, and that means having regular hearing checks along with our regular health checks.
Did you know that Australian Hearing provides free hearing checks to adults and with more than 600 locations across Australia, there’s sure to be a centre near you?
It’s never too late
I’m told that around 60% of people over the age of 60 report some kind of hearing loss and because it can happen gradually we may not be aware of it.
However, these days we’re fortunate to have a choice of hearing aid solutions open to us, and mostly they’re inconspicuous. Nothing like those big old crackly hearing aids which I can remember my Grandmother using.
It’s never too late to do something about our hearing. My mum’s 97 year old partner kept on turning the TV up really loud and refused to go and have his ears tested. Disharmony reigned! Finally, sense prevailed and he did get his ears checked and he did have age-related hearing loss, and now my mum says it’s amazing what a difference a tiny, unobtrusive hearing aid makes to their life together.
“I don’t have to shout at him anymore and he’s stopped saying WHAT?” she told me on the phone the other day, “In fact it’s amazing what he does hear now!”
Get your hearing checked
You may not be aware that your hearing is diminishing. At least not until you start trying to lip read at parties and begin asking people to repeat themselves. Or maybe your children tell you that the TV is really way too loud.
Don’t let your hearing be the cause of avoiding parties and social gatherings. Consider having your hearing checked on a regular basis with Australian Hearing. The checks are carried out by experts and take around five minutes to complete.
“I don’t need to get my ears checked. I’ll just battle on until it gets really bad”, I can hear you saying.
But wait … I’ve found out that hearing loss left untreated has been linked to health issues like heart disease, dementia and depression. Did you know that?
Me neither.
It can also impact the quality of your relationships.
Yeah right – too many “Whats?” Frustrating! And let’s not start on what we might consider to be selective hearing.
How to keep your hearing in tip top shape
When we were young most of us probably took our hearing for granted.
I can remember my parents telling me that loud rock concerts weren’t good for my ears.
“You’ll go deaf,” they warned repeatedly.
But you know what, I’d still go and stand near those gigantic speakers, and let my ears throb, to be near my musical heart-throb of the moment.
So how can we best protect our ears to keep them in tip top shape?
I’ve done a little research and found out some sensible tips to help us protect our hearing on a daily basis.
Can I use cotton buds?
I know we all want to – and some of us tend to do it – you know, grab a cotton bud to give your ear a clean.
But it’s not a great idea because our ears are actually self-cleaning organs, and a little bit of wax is normal and helpful as it helps prevent dust and foreign particles from entering the ear canal. Plus you never know how far is too far, and pushing that cotton earbud into your ear could cause damage.
Why wear ear plugs?
If you’re around loud noises, and I don’t just mean your hubby’s snoring (joking joking) consider using earplugs to protect your hearing. This could be to protect you from work place or industrial noises, rowdy concerts, and even things like loud lawnmower noise. Also consider using swimmers’ earplugs if you swim regularly.
Tip: Try to stay away from loud noises – things like loudspeakers and anything that make your ears ring, or gives you muffled hearing afterwards.
Why you should keep your ears dry
Keep your ears dry because too much moisture can allow bacteria to get into the ear canal and cause things like swimmer’s ear and other infections which can impact your hearing. If you’ve been swimming and feel your ears are full of water just tilt your head to one side and gently pull your ear lobe downwards to let water out. Then gently towel-dry your ears.
What’s the buzz with earphones?
Opt for quality ‘over the ear’ noise cancelling earphones rather than small earplug ones which sit too far into your ear for good ear health. Oh, and remember whatever ear plugs you use don’t to have the volume turned up high, and don’t listen to music with earphones on for long stretches of time.
Why exercise and less stress is important
Stress and anxiety can apparently add to the symptoms of tinnitus – a ringing in your ears. As we get older, and perhaps retire from our careers, it doesn’t necessarily mean that our stress or anxiety levels will decrease, because they can be attributed to other things, not just work. So we should do things which help us stay in the moment and keep calm – learn to meditate, go for long walks, keep up your 10,000 steps a day! Or get out and do something else active as this can help your circulation which gets your blood pumping which in turn helps your ears stay healthy.
Get checked out
Anytime is a good time to get a checkup and stay Hearing Fit! Why not take the online hearing test today? Australian Hearing has over 600 centres across Australia, so there’s bound to be one near you. For more information and for advice about Australian hearing aids, go to Stay Hearing Fit.
PIN this post for reference later …
60th Birthday Messages and Thoughts on Turning 60.
I think I need to show your post to my hubby Jo. He’s become quite hard of hearing, but I often wonder whether it’s more “domestic deafness” …. which is closely related to “domestic blindness” 🙂 #TeamLovinLife
Haha Lyndall! Although this is a topic that needs to be discussed I fear if it’s domestic deafness it might not be curable!
I get a lot of ear infections… so it worries me a little that my ear canals are more fragile than they should be! I think my hearing is still okay and am hoping it’s not something I have trouble with. Both of my parents’ hearing remained fine into their 70s.
Shame Deb, that’s not fun. Hope that your hearing stays clean and clear for a long time to come.
Mine is still good, but hubby (56) is noticing some changes in his. Sometimes I think it’s selective, but at other times I’m not so sure! #teamlovinlife
Hello Jo, yes I believe quite a few people reading this post are beginning to question whether partners have selective domestic hearing … or maybe not.
Useful article. A friend of mine had severe tinnitus and it turned out that it had nothing to do with her hearing but was because of a pain in the neck. A real one, not a literal one.
That’s interesting Kalpana. Glad your friend managed to get it sorted.
I often walk past a hearing store at my local shopping centre and the lady often asks me if I would like a hearing test. I must confess I’ve felt offended that she thinks I’m old enough to require one! However to be truthful I should have one, sooner rather than later! #TeamLovinLife
Lol! I can just imagine Kathy. That would be me too. Definitely time for hearing tests and hearing aids to get designer – just as specs have.
It’s amazing how hearing always takes a back seat to vision (and I get it, we are a visual society). But I can’t wait until getting hearing aids is as cool as some of the glasses out there—so many need them that never get them!!
XOXO
Jodie
So true Jodie – yes it’s time for designer style hearing aids – they should start making them really cool and funky!
Thank you for the important reminder and the tips on protecting your hearing.
Thanks Christie 🙂 I really believe that around this age the conversation needs to be started 🙂
Hi Jo, at the moment my hearing is fine although my husband is starting to show signs that his hearing isn’t as good as it used to be (and I don’t think it is selective hearing either, as some men have!). Thanks for the tips and I know that hearing aids are certainly a lot more aesthetically pleasing these days which encourages people to wear them if they need them. I’ve also heard about not using cotton buds even though it sounds a little gross. Thanks for sharing with us at #MLSTL and have a great week.
Thanks Sue – I think as wives we are more aware of these things – our female receptors are fine tuned to changes in health, whereas I think men would ignore the signs and hope it goes away! Yes, hearing aids are improving aesthetically in leaps and bounds aren’t they.
This is sage advice. My husband, daughter and business partner all have hearing loss so I am used to thinking about potential loss. So far so good, but i will not hesitate to get checked again in the future.
Hi Michele, from what I’m learning during research for this article and from the comments I’m receiving, hearing loss is much more prevalent than many of us might imagine.
I know husband and I both need to get our hearing checked but every time I bring it up he gets indignant. lol He blames our not hearing on the size of our rooms and the height of the ceiling.Good info.
Haha! Victoria you made me giggle! That to me is definitely a male response to an issue – gotta love the ingenuity – but let’s hope he’s right after all!
Loved this post. It may be geared for Australia, but it’s just as relevant for S.Africa and I’m sure world over!
Thank you Shirley 🙂 Yes, it is.
Tinnitus is a HUGE problem. The noise in my head is getting louder and louder – definitely effects my general hearing.
Shame Jenny. That’s awful. I’m so sad to hear. I’m beginning to find out just how many people suffer from it. Is there anything that helps you with yours?
Hi Jo,
I am definitely suffering from deafness! As Leanne says background noise makes it hard to hear what people are saying and I often tell my kids to speak up and stop mumbling – just like my dad did to me 🙂
I need a hearing test. I’ve been putting it off. I think you’re right, there is a stigma attached and also the task of weighing up the choice between not being able to hear properly and fiddling with hearing aids.
Thank you for starting the discussion!
Hi Annabel, thanks for your reply. I’m also pretty sure that my hearing is deteriorating, and it’s not easy being in a noisy situation anymore. Yes, the stigma to actually wearing a hearing aid and having another thing (like glasses) to worry about I’m sure puts many people off getting their ears tested.
Thanks Jo for such great advice, information and resources! I *think* my hearing is ok at the moment but I’ve no doubt it will diminish somewhat as the years go on. My eyes on the other hand are another story!
Hi Min, I guess none of us are immune from bits and pieces of us wearing out as the years go by 🙁
Hi Jo – hearing is really important isn’t it? I notice that I don’t hear as well as I think I should – not hearing aid material yet, but I certainly struggle with people who drop their voices to tell me something “secret” – just speak up or don’t bother! My husband also has a very mellow voice tone and sometimes I say “pardon?” a lot (especially if there is background noise like the kettle boiling).
Thanks for linking up with us at #MLSTL and I’ve shared this on my SM xx
Me too Leanne! Secrets are generally safe with me these days because if they’re delivered sotto voce I never hear them in the first place. Thanks for sharing your story.