Living with hearing loss

Hearing loss is a relatively common condition that affects approximately 1 in 6 people in New Zealand(1). On this page you can learn to recognise signs of hearing loss, understand your options and how you can help someone with a hearing loss.

Do you need a hearing test?

Recognise the signs of hearing loss

Managing your hearing loss as early as possible can have a positive impact on your overall quality of life and long-term health². We recommended that you seek help as soon as you begin to recognise symptoms, such as:

Difficulty following group conversations

Image shows woman holding hand close to her ear

Asking others to repeat themselves

People around you seem to be mumbling or talking softly

Having to turn up the TV, radio or phone volume to hear properly

Difficulty hearing what people are saying if they don’t look directly at you

Image shows woman holding head due to discomfort

Feeling tired at the end of the day from straining to hear

How to handle the symptoms of hearing loss

If you notice that you or a loved one is experiencing signs of hearing loss, we recommend you to seek advice from a hearing care specialist, at one of our Audika clinics.

At Audika we offer 3 types of hearing tests to determine your level of hearing loss:

1. AMTAS - computer test using specific hearing software (15 mins)
2. A screening test with a Clinician (30 mins)
3. A comprehensive test with a Clinician (60 mins)

Whether you book online, submit a website request, call us or contact our clinic directly, we will determine the most suitable hearing test for your needs.

You can also start out by taking our online hearing test³. It takes about 5 minutes and gives you a quick assessment regarding whether you show signs of hearing loss.

Book an appointment

Living with untreated hearing loss

If you have difficulty hearing, you might make small adjustments in your daily life to compensate for the hearing loss. For example, you might start to withdraw from social activities. This withdrawal can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

The first step towards better hearing is getting a FREE* hearing check in a hearing clinic.

Steps to better hearing Untreated hearing loss

How to help someone with hearing loss

It can be difficult to talk to a friend or loved one about hearing loss. It’s important to find a good time to have the conversation. Be mindful of the fact that it may be a sensitive topic for them.

They may be experiencing lowered confidence as a result of their hearing loss. With this in mind, be understanding and supportive in your approach. Here are a few tips for talking to someone about hearing loss:

Prepare yourself for the conversation
Find a comfortable place to talk
Show compassion and support
Help them take one step in the right direction that will start them on their journey to better hearing health.

What can you do to help

Read more tips about helping a loved one address their potential hearing loss.
Help someone with hearing loss

An easy first step is taking our 5 minute online hearing test³ that indicates if you may have hearing loss.
Take online hearing test³

In most cases, the best next step will be to agree that your friend or loved one book a hearing test in a hearing clinic. This action step will help them to get a better understanding of both the level and type of hearing loss.

Image shows man talking on the phone sitting on the sofa

Seek help for hearing loss: Book a FREE* hearing check

If you recognize hearing loss symptoms (such as having trouble hearing conversations or turning up the TV louder than normal), we suggest that you seek expert advice by booking an appointment

Question 1 of 1

Have you had a hearing test within the last two years?

We're here to help you hear better

While modern hearing aids are more effective than ever before in improving hearing ability, they do not restore your hearing completely.

However, hearing aids can come close. You could expect to hear significantly better than you would without hearing aids. Furthermore, hearing aids could improve your quality of life, self-confidence, and social engagement.

Book a FREE* hearing check

The hidden risks of hearing loss

Although hearing loss affects people in different ways, many studies have linked untreated hearing loss to a number of emotional and social consequences. Some of them include:

Less social interaction and loneliness
Weakened memory and a decreased ability to learn new tasks
Reduced performance at work or school
Tiredness, worry, stress and depression
Reduced awareness and an increased risk to personal safety (for example, while driving)

Hearing loss and dementia

Ben De Farias | Regional Operations Manager

MAud, BSLP (Hons)

Ben has a deep passion for helping people hear better. For the past 8 years Ben been a showcase of the lifechanging difference hearing care professionals make. He has strong expertise in a wide range of hearing products and solutions, and has been involved in the training and development of other audiologists.

Excited to share his passion for hearing health and excellent clinical care to a larger team , Ben has grown into the role of Regional Operations Manager, Central North Island. Ben's current role allows him to promote, recognise and share the many successes of the New Zealand Audika team while providing the best possible service and care to clients.

Sources

1. https://www.deloitte.com/au/en/services/economics/analysis/social-economic-costs-hearing-loss-new-zealand.html
2. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss

Disclaimer

3. Results provide a preliminary indication only and do not replace a full hearing test.