In its simplest form, Hearing is the ability to perceive sounds, and it forms part of the FIVE primary senses. In its biggest functionality, hearing is a core component of Verbal Communication, which is society's most common form of communication. It plays an important role in the development of spoken language, literacy and social and economic factors. Most of us pay not much attention because hearing is an effortless, and natural process, but what happens when we encounter problems with our hearing?
From the perspective of an Audiologist, your hearing revolves, affects, and/or is affected by everything: from bigger examples like communication; to little things, that we deem insignificant like the sound of leaves rustling, or rain sounds that send us straight to sleep. Challenges with hearing can affect your entire life, often times leading to social isolation and mental ill-health.
WE ASKED OUR PATIENTS:
WHAT DOES YOUR HEARING MEAN TO YOU?
"We are not aware that there are even ear doctors. I come from the township and all I knew about hearing aids is that they are not acceptable. I frequently ask for repetition and people assume I am slow"
"The hearing aids are worth every cent"
"Not being able to hear is absolutely disabling. You find your self in a bubble and unfortunately people do not always understand"
"I thought it was going to be normal again. My ears always felt blocked but eventually popped again but this time, I just could not hear. It bothered me so much that I had to do something about it".
"It is not until you lose that you realise that you took every moment for granted"
"My bible study is one the most fulfilling activities in my life, when I slowly started losing my hearing I could no longer be as active, even in church. I came to you saying specifically I need to hear, I need to be active in my life again. That us how important hearing is"
"I wish so many understood the effects of hearing loss. Without my hearing aids I am in complete isolation".
"When my ears were blocked I lost some of my hearing and I felt like I was in a shell. I got a host of other problems and this constant ringing that drove me insane. From there I think I understood how important my hearing is to me"