AT Home with Dr Chris Steele - September 2011 - (Page 67)

Hard of hearing? he ability to hear is by far one of the most important senses of the body – it enables you to communicate with other people, to entertain yourself through music and stay safe by warning you of dangers, such as any approaching road trafﬁc. However, there are a number of ways in which hearing can become impaired, and depending on the type and severity of cause, this hearing loss can be temporary or permanent. Typically, a hearing impediment will result in an earache and/or a constant ringing in the ears, as well as making it difﬁcult for the sufferer to hear SPEAK UP conversations in loud environments. T ALWAYS ASKING FRIENDS TO SPEAK LOUDER OR TURNING UP THE RADIO? CHANCES ARE YOU HAVE SOME DEGREE OF HEARING LOSS WHAT DID YOU SAY? Hearing loss can occur at any age, but it does become increasingly common as you get older. In fact, an estimated three-quarters of men and women over 70 suffer with some kind of loss of hearing. One of the reasons why this occurs is down to the tiny hairs present inside the ear that help you to hear. As you age, some of these hair cells get damaged or die and, since they cannot regrow, the hearing loss is permanent. It’s not only age that can cause hearing loss, though, circulatory problems, multiple sclerosis and infections may all cause damage to your hearing, too. CURRENTLY, THERE ARE 10 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE UK WITH HEARING LOSS PERSONAL PREFERENCE WORDS: Jessie Bland | PHOTOGRAPH: Getty Images Although permanent hearing loss cannot be reversed, there are devices available to help. Hearing aids have come a long way since the days of the bulky transistorradio-style models. Now you have discreet digital devices that are barely visible to the naked eye. The hearing aid you decide upon will depend upon a few factors: namely, personal preference, budget and how severe your hearing loss is. For example, if you have a loss of hearing in only one ear then a contralateral routing of signals (CROS) aid will be necessary (it transmits from the side with no hearing to the one with), but if you’re looking for optimum comfort, then a custom-made in-the-ear (ITE) aid may prove a better ﬁt for your requirements. If you’re concerned about your hearing, or lack of it, your GP will be happy to help and advise Do you feel your hearing’s not up to scratch? Then pay a visit to your doctor. They will be able to give you a basic hearing test by using a torch-like instrument (an otoscope) to see whether it’s a build up of wax (cleared by syringe/ drops) or a more serious problem. Usually, the doctor will then refer you to your local audiology department or, if they feel your hearing problems are caused by something other than the ageing process, you will need to visit an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialist to get checked out. ■ DON’T SUFFER IN SILENCE www.athomemagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2012 | 067 http://www.athomemagazine.co.uk

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AT Home with Dr Chris Steele - September 2011

EDITOR’S LETTER
A DOCTOR’S WELCOME
NEWS UPFRONT
SAVE THE DATE
A SENSITIVE TOUCH
UNDER THE HOOD
CELEBRITY HEALTH SECRETS
THE BIG INTERVIEW
TV HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT A MARVEL
OUCH, THAT HURTS
A HAPPY HEART
WAVE GOODBYE TO SMOKING
EYE SEE!
AN EARFUL
THE LOWDOWN ON DIABETES
HARD TO STOMACH?
GUT REACTION
ARTHRITIC AND UNDER 30?
SHRINK ME
FIGHTING FIT
BREAST CANCER
BOOST YOUR BONE DENSITY
TRYING TO CONCEIVE?
VEIN HOPE
ON THE BALL
CAN HE BREAK HIS PENIS?
TIME FOR A TOP UP
ULTRA SWIFT SUPPERS
SO, YOU THINK YOU’RE EATING RIGHT?
GLUTEN-FREE FOODS ON TEST
AGE-PROOF YOUR FACE
PEARLY WHITES
COSMETIC SURGERY
COMING SOON
TOP HEALTH TIPS
WORK WELLNESS
DON’T SWEAT IT
PLANNING AHEAD
STAYING MOBILE
LAST WORD

AT Home with Dr Chris Steele - September 2011