Dr Nina Byrnes, medical consultant to Hidden Hearing, answers your questions
My mother is 74 and her hearing is deteriorating. It’s causing problems for the whole family. What should we do?
Frank, Donegal
Hearing loss is a serious issue: there are safety issues such as hearing smoke alarms etc, but everyday tasks like answering the phone also become difficult. And it’s distressing for the family to see a loved one in difficulty.
You’ve probably already noticed some early indications of hearing loss: TV very loud, not responding when called or asking people to repeat themselves.
First, your mum should see her GP to determine the cause. It’s probably age-related, but she should be checked for any underlying medical condition. She should then have a hearing test to see if she needs a hearing aid. Hidden Hearing offers tests free of charge.
I’ve played in bands for the last ten years and listen to music on my iPod for two to three hours a day. Should I be concerned about my hearing? Surely I’m too young to suffer hearing loss?
Phil (27), Glasnevin, Dublin 9
Unfortunately hearing loss is increasing among the under-30s, many cases being noise-induced hearing loss.
A recent study by Hidden Hearing found that over half of MP3 users listen to their players at a level above 80dB and one in five has the volume at 100dB or more. That is the equivalent of hearing a pneumatic drill 10 feet away! Hidden Hearing is seeing a big increase in the number of people under 30 suffering from hearing loss that would be typical in a 70 year old.
My advice is to follow the 60/60 rule – only listen to your personal music device at 60% of its maximum volume for up to 60 minutes a day. You should also consider wearing earplugs during concerts or when playing with your band.
Are diabetics more likely to suffer from hearing loss than non-diabetics? I was diagnosed as diabetic 18 months ago. Should I get my hearing checked?
Karen (29), Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
Diabetics run a serious risk of early hearing loss. A recent study showed that diabetics were more than twice as likely to suffer hearing loss as non-diabetics. The study, with the majority of the participants having type 2 Diabetes, also disclosed hearing impairments from as early as ages 30 to 40. Have regular hearing tests to make sure you don’t develop a hearing problem.
My 58 year old father has recently complained about a constant ringing noise in his ears. In general his hearing is quite good. Could he be suffering from something like tinnitus?
Carol, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin
What you describe could well be Tinnitus. People suffering from the condition usually describe it as a ringing, buzzing or whistling noise. It’s surprisingly common, with 18% of the population reporting it at some stage in their lives.
It can be caused by excessive exposure to loud music or noise, or something as simple as a build up of ear-wax. He should consult his GP who may refer him to an audiologist for a hearing test or to an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist for further investigation. While there is no medication for tinnitus, other treatments can effectively alleviate it. Hearing aids are one of the options which can provide acoustic stimulation to the nerve pathways in the ear so that, over time, the tinnitus may become less bothersome even when hearing aids aren’t worn.
I think I may need a hearing aid. Is there any financial assistance or subsidy available for pensioners who don’t qualify for the social welfare scheme?
Nora, (68), Navan, Co. Meath
Hearing tests are usually free of charge, so it won’t cost anything to have an audiologist check your hearing. Hidden Hearing offers free hearing tests at each of its 60 clinics nationwide and they will also be offering free tests in their mobile hearing clinic during Hearing Awareness Week.
If you have paid PRSI, you can still receive significant help when buying a private hearing aid. This grant did not change during the last budget and can be worth up to €1,520 per person. Also, if you pay income tax, you may be able to claim the cost or your hearing aid against tax.
For more information or to book a free hearing test, call 1800 882 884
or visit www.hiddenhearing.ie
