Category: Paediatric Audiology

Myth Busting

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There are many hearing myths regarding our ears. Here at Medico Audiology Services, we aim to dispel those myths in order to provide the best possible care for our patients. Here are some myths around hearing loss, and the usage of hearing aids that we will clear up today.

Firstly, while it is true that hearing loss can increase with age, it does not mean that it is ‘normal’, or something that we should simply ‘put up with’. Hearing loss can happen at any age, for a number of reasons, and should never be something we just accept. It can be something as simple as a wax build up which can be removed in minutes, it could be a build-up of fluid in the middle ear which an Ear Nose and Throat consultant can help with or it could be a sensorineural hearing loss due to the hearing organ which a hearing aid can help with.

If you find it hard to see, or read, you know the strain that can have on your concentration, motivation, and overall wellbeing. Straining to hear is no different. Studies have proven that fatigue, migraines, loneliness, and not wanting to socialise can be linked to the decline in hearing. In 2020 the Lancet Public Health Journal published a study which focused on data collected from 437,704 people over the course of 12 years. Participants who took part were 56 when the study started, and 68 when it concluded. The study concluded that, 8% of dementia cases worldwide may be linked to hearing loss. While there was no increased risk for people with standard hearing, or people who have hearing loss, and use hearing aids; there was a 42% risk of all-cause dementia in people with hearing loss who do not use hearing aids.

Experts predict that, globally, the number of people who will be living with dementia will nearly triple what it is today. By 2050, they predict that there will be 153 million people living with dementia. If something as simple as maintaining ear health, and using aids as soon as is medically necessary can potentially reduce the risk of developing dementia, then it is more important than ever to dispel the myths of hearing loss, and maintain good ear health.

If your eye sight was affecting you like this way, you wouldn’t think twice about wearing glasses. Why do we deny ourselves the freedom of hearing whether it be wax removal, seeing a specialist or wearing hearing aids, when we have no problem benefiting from the freedom of glasses?

Here at Medico we offer microsuction wax removal, baby and adult hearing tests and hearing aids from various manufacturers because we are independent. We offer demo hearing aids and fit all of our hearing aids using real ear measurements which follows best practice.  We are all master’s trained Clinical Audiologists with over 30 years of combined experience in 4 continents. Get in touch today to Hear Now and Hear Happy.

Taking your child to the Audiologist

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Every baby born in a hospital has their hearing checked before both parent and baby are discharged from the hospital. Routine check-ups with a professional audiologist should be part of your child’s health maintenance as your child grows. Here are some tips for preparing and taking your young child to the audiologist.

Touch & Talk About Their Ears

With a young child, you want to get them used to having their ears touched and looked at. One way to do this is to form the habit of gently touching and wiggling their ears. Make it a loving, positive experience for your child. Encourage questions and even let them do the same wiggles to your ears.

Even though audiologists are trained to make young children’s early test experiences comfortable and painless, your child may become stressed because a stranger is touching and peering into their ears with an instrument.

Prepare Your Child for an Ear Examination

Before the appointment, talk to your child about the appointment and what the audiologist will do during the exam.

Play ear doctor at home. First, you play the doctor and investigate your toddler’s ears using a small magnifying glass or a small flashlight to investigate your child’s ears.

Some exams will require your child to listen to sounds. Practice putting headphones on your child and taking them off. Practice teaching your toddler active listening by playing a sound awareness game. For instance, if you are outdoors and a bird chirps, ask, “What’s that?” Or if your child drops a toy on the floor and it makes a sound. Again ask, “What’s that?” This game encourages more focused listening.

Use these suggestions or be creative and devise your own hearing games to prepare your young child for a hearing exam. You know your child best and what they will positively respond to. If you are willing to take the time, you can prepare your child to have a positive, stress-free examination by the audiologist.

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