Listen up! Health risks associated with hearing problems – Kent Online
SPONSORED EDITORIAL
Most people make regular check-ups to visit their dentist, have their eyes tested or see their local GP for routine health screenings.
But did you know, getting your hearing looked at is just as important and that untreated hearing loss can be directly linked to conditions like short-term memory loss, depression or even dementia?
There is also a significant link to loss of balance and falls which is a major risk as we age.
Coming through loud and clea…….
SPONSORED EDITORIAL
Most people make regular check-ups to visit their dentist, have their eyes tested or see their local GP for routine health screenings.
But did you know, getting your hearing looked at is just as important and that untreated hearing loss can be directly linked to conditions like short-term memory loss, depression or even dementia?
There is also a significant link to loss of balance and falls which is a major risk as we age.
Coming through loud and clear: Audiologist Lee Fletcher checking a patient at Regain Hearing in Broadstairs
According to figures from UK charity Action on Hearing Loss, there are 11 million people (one in six individuals) with hearing problems across the UK while experts estimate that figure will climb to 15.6 million by 2035 (one in five people).
“Many people mistakenly believe that hearing aids are only required when hearing loss is advanced, however, the reality is that the sooner any hearing loss is addressed, the better the long-term outcome will be,” commented Kate Protheroe of Regain Hearing, a family-run, independent practice based in Broadstairs and Eltham.
“Wearing ear protection if you work in or pursue a hobby in a noisy environment is also very important”.
Treatment options for hearing loss are varied to suit a wide range of technologies and budgets.
Kate adds: “We never recommend simply buying a hearing aid, which are available from a number of places. The skill is in the tuning; you cannot simply buy aids and pop them in your ears and expect to hear.”
“Here, at Regain Hearing, for example, we offer free after-care service to all our patients for the life of the hearing aids and regular check-ups by our qualified Audiologists to ensure the aids continued maximum benefit.”
“This is really crucial as no one’s hearing remains static; it’s a moving target and periodic readjustment and re-tuning is essential. For this reason, we have long established relationships with our patients, many of whom have been with us since our beginnings in 2010.”
Regain Hearing offer free hearing tests, free tinnitus consultations and microsuction wax removal.
Regain Hearing’s Consultant Audiologist Lindsay Fletcher says research has confirmed that there is an established link between untreated hearing loss and dementia.
“The brain will rewire and utilise parts of the brain which should be dealing with …….
