Touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste are five of the primary human senses. Each of these senses sends information to the brain to help us understand and make sense of the world around us.
These senses are critical for our survival and our daily life.
Often, we neglect the sense of hearing and push it to the background or even ignore it completely.
When the world around us is becoming deaf, we must discuss hearing and address the elephant in the room.
Hearing enables us to connect with our environment, communicate properly, and appreciate the magnificent symphony of life. Hearing loss, on the other hand, is a widespread problem that may affect people of all ages. You may check out the statistics in the box below.
We go for regular health and dental check-ups. Why not visit hearing clinics? Regular audiometry tests (hearing test) are essential for early detection of hearing loss.
If you care about your holistic health you must read the article further into the significance of these tests and why should they be a part of your health routine.
But before you scroll down, imagine yourself watching a SRK or Marvel blockbuster in a theatre unable to catch the dialogue.
How would it be if the world around you sounded garbled or mute?
Can you live with it?
🔔 Some Stats on Hearing Loss in India
As per WHO estimates in India, there are approximately 63 million people, who are suffering from Significant Auditory Impairment; this places the estimated prevalence at 6.3% in Indian population.
Over 27,000 children are born deaf every year in India.
Hearing impairment (abnormal auditory brainstem response/auditory steady state response) in neonates ranged between 1.59 and 8.8 per 1000 births.
In children the prevalence of hearing loss was 6.6% to 16.47%.
Before we dive into the importance of regular audiometry tests, let’s first understand what they entail. Audiometry Test is a diagnostic test that measures a person’s ability to hear sounds.
You put on headphones, don’t you?
The test involves you wearing headphones and listening to sounds at various frequencies and volumes.
That’s pretty much it.
The results are plotted on an audiogram, which provides a clear picture of an individual’s hearing abilities.
It is non-invasive and takes about 5-10min and it does not cost a bomb. It costs less than the family pizza you enjoyed.
Often parents and elderlies think the children are not listening to what is being told.
Are you sure it is not an early sign of hearing loss or poor hearing?
Among children, addressing hearing loss as early as possible is crucial for their speech and language development.
Sometimes it is better to get a pre-emptive check-up done just to be sure your ears are performing ok, especially if you have a family history or work in a loud environment or plug into headphones most of your waking hours.
And of course, if you observe any of those 10 signs of hearing loss get the tested as early as possible and track the result on a regular interval.
It will help your audiologist monitor your hearing, identify factors that may be contributing to the hearing loss, and provide appropriate recommendations and treatment.
Regular Audiometry tests can help in the following ways:
One of the most compelling reasons to undergo regular audiometry tests is the early detection of hearing loss. Hearing loss can occur gradually, and individuals may not even notice it until it becomes more pronounced. By having regular hearing tests, any signs of hearing loss can be detected at an early stage. This allows for timely intervention and management, which can significantly improve the outcome.
Hearing loss is often irreversible, but its progression can be slowed down or halted with appropriate measures. Regular audiometry tests can help in monitoring the progression of hearing loss and preventing further damage. Whether it’s through hearing aids, lifestyle modifications, or medical treatments, early intervention can make a world of difference in preserving your hearing.
Hearing loss is not always a standalone condition. It can be an indicator of underlying health issues. Regular audiometry tests can help identify these issues early on, leading to prompt medical attention. Conditions such as cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and even tumors can sometimes manifest as changes in hearing. Detecting these conditions in their early stages can be life-saving.
Patients with hearing loss are more likely to experience tinnitus, which is a persistent buzzing, ringing, hissing, or whistling noise in their ears. This noise in the ear can make it difficult for them to concentrate or sleep. Your audiologist will test your hearing, gather information about your health history and lifestyle to try to identify the root cause of your tinnitus and recommend possible treatment options.
An audiometry test can help in the diagnosis of certain balance disorders that stem from the ears such as Meniere’s Disease, Positional Vertigo, Acoustic Neuromas, and Sudden Onset Hearing Loss. An earlier diagnosis can assist you in receiving appropriate treatment immediately.
Hearing loss is linked to heart conditions, cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, and other chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and more. Regular audiometry screenings can show warning signs of these medical conditions and help you get the required care sooner.
A common misconception is that audiometry tests are only for the elderly. In reality, everyone, regardless of age, should consider incorporating regular Audiometry tests into their healthcare routine. Here are some key groups that can benefit from these tests:
Children should have their hearing tested regularly as part of their developmental milestones. Early detection of hearing issues in children is crucial for their language and cognitive development.
Adults of all ages, especially those exposed to loud environments or with a family history of hearing loss, should schedule regular hearing tests. These tests can help detect age-related hearing loss or noise-induced damage early on.
For seniors, hearing loss is a common age-related issue. Regular audiometry tests can aid in managing and improving their quality of life by addressing any hearing issues promptly.
People at risk of hearing loss due to specific factors like medication side effects, medical conditions, or occupational hazards should prioritize regular audiometry tests.
Still wondering why?
Hearing loss can progress gradually over time, and you may be unaware of the changes. Gradual
changes in hearing often go unreported, leading to negative outcomes.
Early intervention is essential to maintaining healthy hearing and minimising the likelihood of dementia and other medical conditions. Regular audiometry tests at one of our many CC Saha Hearing Clinics across Kolkata, and few other cities in Bengal will keep you on top of your hearing health so you can enjoy the sounds of your environment with ease.
At C.C. Saha Ltd., we provide a comprehensive range of hearing solutions that include the testing of a patient’s ability to detect tones at different frequencies. Our highly skilled Audiologists conduct a thorough examination, taking into account the patient’s hearing loss history, lifestyle choices, and needs, and then recommend the best possible hearing solution.
We are present across the city of Kolkata, at Esplanade, Prince Anwar Shah Road, Dunlop, Salt Lake, and Barasat. We also have clinics at Midnapore and Burdwan.
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