Easter has long since gone, and the chocoholic  aftermath hopefully has settled down, at least until Christmas.  Lovely autumn  weather is here, the most pleasant time of the year in my opinion. Today the issue is "I beg your pardon", or "Say that again Sam."  Hearing loss.  It affects about 80 per cent.  Today  newborn babies are checked at birth for hearing with a new electronic gadget.  If loss is present, treatment can be given  within months. Cochlear implants can revolutionise their lives.

As time winds on, best tip is to avoid premature hearing loss.  Most vulnerable time is in the teens and twenties. Regularly attending loud rock concerts, or otherwise exposed to continual very loud noise can gradually destroy the tiny hairy receptors in the inner ear.  Once damaged, this is permanent.  Often kids come away from concerts with ringing ears - not good for the future.  Industrial exposure is a just as bad, but today, most wear ear protection to avoid damage. Please wear them if this is you job.

SUDDEN DEAFNESS

Sometimes a person suddenly goes deaf.  Shock horror.  But often a check by the doctor indicates a great blob of wax is present. This is normally produced by the canal lining  to protect foreign objects from damaging the drum, If it suddenly totally occludes the canal,  temporary deafness occurs.   Placing 3 drops of Cerumol in the ear three time a day for three days loosens it up. It will come out under the shower by directing it into the canal, or letting the doctor use the ear syringe.  Magical cure in moments.

But in time, the sensitive ear gear declines.   Hearing clarity is usually worse in a crowd.  Seek referral to a hearing specialist or audiologist.  Intervention is to check your hearing which comes up on a screen, and is compared to normal hearing patterns.  By adjustments, a hearing aid can be programmed to bring your hearing as near to normal as possible.

HEARING AIDS

This can offer a dramatic outcome.  It is not perfect, but certainly helpful.  Todays mini gear is  often worn behind the ear, with a tiny tube and spearker entering the ear canal.  Regular care is essential, for a minute speck of was can block sound.  Also, new batteries must be fitted every few days. This is an ongoing cost. Many buy them cheaper on the net.

The gear should be checked  2-3 times by the audiologist and up graded again on the screen.  Hearing aids are expensive.  Some receive government  assistance.

ACOUSTIC NEUROMA

Sudden hearing loss in one ear many indicate an acoustic neuroma,  a non cancerous growth occurs on the sheath of the hearing nerve as is passes to the brain through a bony canal. This needs immediate intervention, and often surgery.  It may lead to permanent deafness on that side.

Regular care of hearing aids is essential. Older people with arthritic fingers often find changing batteries difficult, but most get the hang of it.  Do not drop them on the floor specially if there is a dog in the house - they love munching hearing aids batteries and all.

HOME

If its time you have outgrown your big house, maybe your should consider about moving to  our lovely Vimiera Village at 217 Vimiera Road, Eastwood (next to Epping High School).   Meals are prepared on site by our own chef, linen, laundry and domestic work carried out. You meet others in you same age group, so are never lonely.  Take a virtual tour on vimieravillage.com.au, or phone David on 02 9868 7544.  I would love to see you pay us a visit.  Kids, this may be the place for mum, dad, aunty, uncle or anyone finding the home and outdoor work too much.

Till next month, every good wish,