Submitted by Eileen Phillips
We were pleased that Laurie Van Wyk and Katie Koebel from our affinity partner, HearingLife, were able to present to us at the AGM. Their talk, titled Hearing 101, was well received. Here are some highlights that will give you a glimpse into the talk.
As always, you are strongly encouraged to go to our Yammer site and view/listen to the whole recorded presentation.
In General:
- Hearing loss is usually gradual and can go undetected for years.
- Often those around you are the first to notice changes to your hearing.
- Noise exposure is the biggest reason for hearing loss.
- Signs of hearing loss include: people sound like they are mumbling; background noise is overpowering conversation; you find yourself needing to turn the volume up; you find that you stop actively listening when in a crowded space; you find you often misinterpret what is being said due to incorrectly ‘filling in the spaces.’
- As we age, our range of hearing can narrow and often tolerance to loud sounds decreases.
- Untreated hearing loss can lead to the avoidance of social situations, resulting in isolation, depression, and the acceleration of cognitive decline.
- Tinnitus is noticed by about 15% of the population and, of these, 90% have hearing loss.
- A baseline hearing test is free to our members and their family. Family includes spouse, children, parents.
- You do not need a doctor’s referral to get a hearing test.
What Does the Baseline Test Include?
- Your ears will be checked for any blockages that could be affecting your hearing.
- A case history of genetic hearing loss will be taken as well as asking for a list of the medications you take.
- The test involves responding to a series of sound beeps ranging in intensity, length, and frequency. It takes about 30 minutes.
- You will be given a printout of your baseline test results.
- There is a video explaining the test on the HearingLife
- People over 60 years old are encouraged to have a hearing test once a year; those under 60 are encouraged to have one every 2 to 5 years
- If you have impacted ear drums or if there is any sign of damage to the ear you will be referred to an ENT specialist.
- If you notice hearing loss, it is better to seek information earlier rather than later.
Hearing is a brain-related issue and retraining takes longer the more advanced the loss is and the longer you have left it undiagnosed.
If You Find That You Have Hearing Loss, What Do You Need To Consider?
- The type of hearing aid(s) you want – e.g., size,
- level of technology.
- Batteries or rechargeable?
- What accessories might you like?
- The amount of care and adjustment needed.
- The environment where you most need them.
If you have further questions, please contact either of these representatives from HearingLife and they will be happy to help you:
Laurie Van Wyk’s email: lauw@hearinglife.ca
Cheryl Anderson’s email: cead@hearinglife.ca
Thank you to the members who were able to join us for the talk. And congratulations to Allan, Celina, and Bonnie who were winners of door prizes presented by the speakers.
This concludes the Speakers’ Series for the 2021-2022 year. It has been my pleasure to liaise with the various speakers on behalf of the BCRPVPA membership.
