Living in a world of muffled noise or even complete silence is incredibly isolating for those suffering from hearing loss, and yet it can take someone up to a decade to get their hearing checked out.
From the stigma surrounding deafness to misconceptions about hearing aids, Duncan and Todd Ophthalmic Opticians is hoping to tackle the issue, and 945,000 people suffer from some form of hearing loss in Scotland alone.
The friendly firm can be found in Aberdeen city centre, and is one of the first independent businesses to launch hearingcare.
Audiologist Alex Higgins believes people’s lives can change for the better if they simply make an appointment, and a hearing test is completely free of charge.
He finds his job incredibly rewarding and has been in the profession for the past 18 years.
Far from being obvious and clunky, technology means hearing aids can now be made from titanium and can even be worn as a discreet implant. “I think many people have misconceptions on hearing aids which are outdated and based on the equipment available in the past,” said Alex.
“Previously hearing aids were quite big plastic looking things but we now have a whole range of technology at our fingertips, you can even use Bluetooth.”
People who book in for a hearing test at Duncan and Todd get an overall ear checkup, as the cause of hearing loss could actually be simple.
“The first thing I do is have a good look at someone’s ears and rule out infection, which can develop for various reasons,” said Alex.
“From having a heavy cold to picking up an infection when swimming abroad, I check that it isn’t something basic such as a blockage.
“Then I put together a patient profile and do the hearing test, before discussing a way forward.”
While some people are born with hearing loss, there are other more common causes which many people are unaware of.
Smokers have a 70% higher risk of having hearing loss than non-smokers and it is also twice as common in those suffering from diabetes.
Perhaps even more worrying is the fact that there are more than 200 medications which are known to cause hearing loss, whilst having high blood pressure is also linked.
Alongside the impracticalities of living with hearing loss such as lack of balance and cognitive decline, untreated hearing loss can also have a major impact on your mental health.
“I regularly see patients who have been incredibly isolated and suffer from depression as a result,” said Alex.
“This is particularly true of older people who lose their confidence and avoid social situations.
“The flip side of these problems is that it can be easily solved, and that’s the element of my job which I find really rewarding.
“Family members will often tell me how much the person has changed once a form of hearing aid is fitted, they want to start joining in again.
“Something as simple as a hearing aid can literally change someone’s life and that’s very rewarding for me to see, it isn’t a short-term solution.
“I also enjoy the fact that I get to see patients at check-ups so I can ask how they’re getting on.”
But why are people so reticent to come forward in the first place, especially when not getting help on hearing loss can even increase the risk of dementia?
Alex believes that many people associate hearing loss with complete deafness and there is also the stereotype belief that only older people require hearing aids.
Despite the fact that hearing loss is common, very little money is poured into research – £1.11 per person in comparison to £11.35 spent on sight loss.
“I think people feel embarrassed about hearing aids as wearing hearing aids isn’t seen as trendy, unlike wearing glasses,” said Alex.
“Glasses are actually a lot more obvious than hearing aids but they’ve become stylish over the years due to designer lines.
“Perhaps Dolce & Gabanna needs to bring out a whole range of hearing aids then people would be far more keen.
“I would urge anyone to come in and get their hearing screened, because it can honestly change your life for the better.
“It’s free, so what’s stopping you.”
To make an appointment at Duncan and Todd, call 01224 644927.