with Daniel Fechner , Ear Studio

Hearing loss can creep up gradually . Some sounds remain audible , while others , like higher-pitched sounds , become more difficult to hear . Softer , high-pitched consonants such as “ s ,” “ f ,” “ sh ” and “ t ” play a key role in our ability to understand speech clearly .

Consequently , people with hearing loss often say , “ I can hear , but I don ’ t understand what is being said .”

Individuals with hearing loss can find it difficult to communicate with friends and family , as they constantly struggle to hear and understand . The impact of this miscommunication can bring with it feelings of isolation , fatigue , frustration , embarrassment , irritability , stress , depression , and reduced self-confidence .

Hearing loss can present difficulties in communication within school , work , home , and social situations .

About hearing loss

• · around 3.6 million people have some level of hearing loss

• · more than 1.3 million people live with a hearing condition that could have been prevented

• · more than one in three Australians have noise-related ear damage

Many factors can cause hearing loss , including age . Hearing loss increases from about half of those aged 60 to 70 , to 70 per cent of those aged 70 and over , and 80 per cent of those aged 80 and over .

Exposure to loud noise is another cause of hearing loss which is often preventable . Untreated ear disease and genetics are some other factors that can also impact hearing .

While hearing loss and communication challenges can impact the core dimensions of wellbeing , growing evidence shows that hearing rehabilitation can provide benefits in these three areas :

· social-emotional wellbeing ; hearing well fosters easier engagement , stronger connections , and a more positive outlook

· cognitive wellbeing ; hearing well supports cognitive fitness

· physical wellbeing ; hearing well enables people to live a more active and healthier lifestyle

Today ’ s hearing solutions and technology empower and enable people to get out there and do the things they enjoy . Some hearing devices are rechargeable and waterproof , track your

heart rate , your steps and general fitness activities . They also connect to mobile phones , TVs and other devices .

Hearing rehabilitation programs , communication strategies , hearing protection , annual ear wax clean , and hearing aid solutions can all assist in improving and protecting your hearing -we offer all these at Ear Studio .

The past two years have been uncertain and disruptive with many of us having deferred important health checks . Now is the time to reconnect and seek the professional advice you need . Be sure to include a comprehensive hearing assessment on that list . We check our eyes regularly , but what about our ears ?

As trusted hearing care professionals and a local Audiology Competency Centre , we listen to you and talk through your needs and concerns . We discuss your hearing and wellbeing objectives , and we work on them - together .

Make your actions count ! Call today to book a comprehensive hearing

assessment , wax removal appointment or hearing aid trial .

Phone ( 02 ) 9159 6122 , email : reception @ earstudio . com . au or visit www . earstudio . com . au .

Ear Studio is located at Lawton House , Suite 9 / 60 Cecil Avenue , Castle Hill . Trading hours : Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm , Saturday by appointment only .

Proudly independent and locally owned .