Edition 1SAT 02 NOV 2002, Page C14 HEARING LOSS By Clara Pirani Vanity about wearing a hearing aid consigns many to a frustrating world of audio isolation HEARING loss can be one of the most isolating things that happen to people as they age. One in 10 Australians experiences hearing loss and the incidence rises to one in three for people above the age of 65. Sadly, embarrassment and refusal to admit they have a problem prevents many from using the one device that can help: a hearing aid. However, hearing aids have improved substantially in the past 10 years, becoming smaller and easier to use. The main causes of hearing loss include level of noise exposure, age, general health and any family history of hearing loss. Most people will suffer from a condition known as presbycusis as they age. Presbycusis, a common form of hearing loss, is caused by wear and tear in the ear. The condition is progressive, becomes worse with age and is permanent. While not especially dangerous the condition does make it difficult to follow a conversation, making the person feel alone and confused. Presbycusis is mostly caused by ageing, but exposure to high levels of noise does seem to be linked to the condition. People who live and work in a loud environment suffer presbycusis more than those who live and work in quieter surroundings. Presbycusis occurs as the ear-drum loses its elasticity and the joints of the ear bones stiffen, restricting the sound waves being conveyed from the outer ear to the cochlea. Many who suffer from sensory presbycusis can hear speech, but have difficulty in following it. An audiologist assesses the softest sound a patient can hear, at several frequencies, to determine the level of hearing loss. If a hearing aid is required, the audiologist will take an impression of the patient's ear using a silicon substance that is placed in the ear canal and external ear. This takes about five minutes and once the mould is completed, it can be used to create a suitably shaped hearing aid. TYPES OF HEARING AIDS The smallest hearing aids available are known as the completely in-the-canal hearing (CIC) aids. They are virtually hidden, sitting discretely in the ear canal, however they are only suitable for mild hearing loss and can be difficult to adjust to. Slightly larger is the in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid, again mostly used for mild hearing loss. In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids fit completely in the outer ear and are suitable for mild to severe hearing loss. It can be combined with such options as a telephone pick-up coil, known as a telecoil. Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids include a unit worn behind the ear that is connected to a plastic earmould worn in the outer ear. LINKS Australian Hearing Services -- 131 797 www.hearing.com.au/ Deafness Forum of Australia, (02) 6262 7808 www.ozemail.com/~deaforum/ Caption: Hear, hear: A `smart' hearing aid Illus: Photo Column: A certain age Weekend Health Section: FEATURES © News Limited. All rights reserved. You may read this article on-screen or print it once for your own personal use. You may not make further copies, forward it by email, post it on an internet or intranet site or make any other use of it without written permission from us at newstext@newsltd.com.au
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