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fifi247

Does listening to the TV and music at a loud volume really increase the chances of hearing loss?

Yes. Listening to anything at a loud volume (or loud decibels) for a prolonged period of time can increase the chances of hearing loss, including the use of headphones, attending loud concerts, etc. It can also significantly increase the possibility of tinnitus.

To learn more about the common causes of hearing loss and how to reduce your risk visit: www.hearpeers.uk/your-hearing-diagnosis/common-causes-of-hearing-loss/

GeminiJen

I'm in my 70s and aware for some time now that my hearing is deteriorating. A younger friend (early 60s) has had a cochlear implant and is over the moon at the transformation this has meant for her life. If found suitable for my problems, is there an upper age limit for having this on the NHS?

This is a common myth, but there is no upper age limit. As long as you're fit and healthy enough to undergo the implant surgery and handle the device, you can have the implant if you fit the hearing loss criteria. There are many users who received their cochlear implant in their eighties or nineties. Good luck!

nancytownsend

I've had tinnitus for about three years now and the level has remained fairly constant. It's a buzzing noise which seems to act like "white noise" - muffling other sounds, especially voices. Patricia, did your Meniere’s disease lead to tinnitus, as it did for my father-in-law? If so, have you learned any good distraction techniques? I seem to hum or whistle quietly to myself most of the time, but this must be really annoying for other people.

Yes, I have bi-lateral tinnitus as a result of Meniere's disease. It is very frustrating to say the least. I absolutely agree with you that humming and whistling would help you and I would urge you to continue to do so irrespective of annoying other people! (I hope no-one has suggested this to you?) That is the secret, to distract from the noise by whatever means is successful for you. I have a headset at night (I can't hear well enough without them) and at first listened to 'white noise' CDs, such as, rainforests, birds, the sea, which has helped me forget the tinnitus and get a good night's sleep. Now I have progressed to audio books and music. I would recommend that you use ear protection when attending concerts as loud music may aggravate the tinnitus, and could make it worse. I was advised not to increase the volume to above the noise you hear, as that can aggravate the tinnitus, and I would suggest that you see your healthcare professional to get it checked out and see if they can offer a solution for you.

bradcol2

Is there an age when you should generally start going for hearing tests, or do you just go when you feel things are not right in your hearing.

There's no age that you should start going for hearing tests, but it could be useful to incorporate them into your health routine, similar to having your eyesight checked. I had my first hearing test after my head injury at age 30 when I lost hearing in my right ear.

lizd31

I suffer from tinnitus which is gradually getting worse & worse. I now have to use subtitles on the television but the worst thing is the constant whistling. Is there anything you can suggest to try & distract from the noise & will a hearing aid help or will it just make the whistling louder?

A hearing aid may help if you have acquired hearing loss. Tinnitus is very difficult to manage, and I have tried various devices with limited success.

You have to avoid very noisy situations if you can. For me, I really had to change my state of mind and accept it's part of me rather than fight it. Patricia mentioned white noise CDs worked for her when trying to sleep – so you may find those helpful? And I would definitely recommend using ear protection when around loud music and seeing your healthcare professional to get it checked out and see if they can offer a solution for you.

leanfun

For years I have had mild tinnitus in one ear. Recently I've found I have confused the direction sounds are coming from. I don't want to resort to a hearing aid and am wondering if it will work with the tinnitus.

Having an external sound masking the tinnitus may help. If you have a directional sound problem then perhaps visiting your healthcare professional for a hearing test to find out if you have hearing loss in one ear may be helpful? Check out Patricia's tips for how she manages tinnitus or maybe connect with her directly: www.hearpeers.uk/mentors/patricia/ to ask questions?

jamielmdjs

is there any tests or tricks we can do at home to check hearing loss - as a way to help someone understand that they might need to get a professional to check?

You can do online and at-home tests, but it sounds as if the person involved needs to receive a professional hearing test. Explain it is no different from having an eye test if you are having problems seeing – there seems to be more stigma around hearing loss compared with eyesight loss, which does not make any sense!

You can take a free online test here: www.medel.com/hearing-test/. It only takes a few minutes!

welshpolarbear

Is there a way that's best to approach hearing loss with my Dad? He won't go for a test because he doesn't want to wear a hearing aid (i think that's the main reason anyway) but he has the tv on so loud it's driving my Mum insane! Not sure what to do and any advice would be appreciated.

If he's reluctant, maybe ask whether he's willing to take a free online hearing test at home first? This one only takes a few minutes: www.medel.com/hearing-test/. I find it is best to be direct and open. Men seem to be more obstinate about this than women, but explain about the effect it is having on the family and what would he do if the situation was reversed – he would want some action.

mbody

How do I persuade my husband to take a hearing test?

It's best to be direct and open. Be sure to consider your husband's personality – but for me, being direct always works best. Perhaps you could suggest you both get your hearing checked together? This way you avoid direct confrontation and the suggestion is made in a gentle, loving way? He may be more open to take an online hearing test at home? They are free and only take a few minutes: www.medel.com/hearing-test/.

Dodo123

How do you tell someone it isn't anything to be shamed of wearing a hearing aid. Especially a man.

Tell him there is nothing to be ashamed of, because there isn't. People wear glasses to help see, why wouldn't they wear something to help them hear? The technology is so advanced these days and discreet. There are communities of people, like HearPeers, who have been through it so perhaps suggest connecting with a like-minded person?

redcardinal

Do you need a doctors referral for a hearing test?

No – you can just go into a high street retailer and get one done. If you want to receive one on the NHS then visit to your doctor and get referred to an audiologist if the doctor thinks it appropriate and you need one. You can take a free test online, it's not a replacement for a trained professional but it can give you a rough estimate: www.medel.com/hearing-test/

Parsleywin

I have noticed a very definite deterioration in my hearing in the last 18 months. I need the television and radio volumes up much higher than before. I find it harder to hear someone speaking to me if there is other noise going on - it feels like hard work to separate out what I need to concentrate on. Also, if someone speaks unexpectedly I have to ask them to repeat. Which gets tiresome for us both!

I'm unsure whether to "wait and see" if things deteriorate further, or be proactive and request a hearing check.

Be proactive! From my experience, the sooner you identify hearing loss and take action the better. Definitely act now and get a hearing check so they can assess what type of hearing loss you have.

GrandmaKT

My hearing has deteriorated over the last couple of years (I'm 58). I find it difficult to hear people in meetings at work and often have subtitles on the TV. I had a hearing test at the opticians and was given NHS hearing aids. I have tried using them, but can honestly say that they don't make my hearing any better. They magnify all the background noises so I struggle just as much if not more. Are there different types of hearing aid? Would a private one be better? How do you know where to go for a trustworthy service?

If you don’t think the hearing aids are working I would suggest going back for help and asking for them to be checked to see if anything can be done to improve them for you. There are many different types of hearing solutions, including several types of hearing aids – there’s more information about this on the HearPeers website, which is worth visiting to learn more: www.hearpeers.uk/hearing-aids/. There is also information about how to get them via the NHS and privately.