Our ears are incredibly intricate and sensitive organs. Their main task is to detect and analyse sounds, which are then interpreted by the brain.
Every day we react to all kinds of sounds, from newscasts on the car radio to telephone calls from clients. And most of us take this for granted. But imagine a world without any sound...
Unfortunately, hearing loss ranks high among lifestyle diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. In fact, an estimated 360 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss.
We take a look at six articles to read this World Hearing Day.
1. How hearing is tested
When testing someone’s hearing, age is an important consideration, as is the type of hearing loss one is testing for.
2. SEE: Interesting facts about hearing loss
Our ears perform quite a complex job – not only are they responsible for hearing, they also assist with balance.
3. The 'Cocktail Party Phenomenon' – how to hear in noisy environments
If you dread going to social events because you struggle to hear with all the background noise, you are probably experiencing the "Cocktail Party Phenomenon".
4. Youth risk hearing loss due to loud music
Turn your headphones down! An estimated 1.1 billion young people are at risk of preventable hearing loss from listening to loud music.
5. Will your job cause hearing loss?
Most of us don't pay much attention to noise levels in our workplaces, but being consistently exposed to loud noise could lead to noise-induced hearing loss.
6. Pain relievers linked to hearing loss in women
Long-term use of over-the-counter pain relievers may be associated with increased risk of hearing loss in some women.
Think you have hearing loss ? Try the Widex online hearing test.
Read more:
Is ‘selective hearing’ actually a thing?