8% of Spaniards suffer from hearing problems, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). However, only 10% of these 3 million people use hearing aids to improve your hearing. A disproportion that places our country as the second in Europe where this type of hearing solutions are used the least, only “surpassed” by Portugal. Given this reality, awareness is presented as key in the celebration, today, Friday, March 3, of the International Hearing Day.
The low use of hearing aids in Spain contrasts with that recorded in Denmark, where 45% of those affected by hearing problems use them. He Dr. Juan Royocommunity specialist Living the soundrecognizes that this comparison “It shows us that there is still a long way to go in terms of hearing health awareness”.
The fact that hearing aids have so little impact even in Spain is also due to the fact that many people, especially older people, do not assume that they have hearing problems, sometimes out of fear and other times because of ignorance either shame. However, if these problems are not recognized, the situation can worsen: “The abandonment of hobbies and changes in habits are very common in elderly people who experience hearing loss”says Dr. Royo.
The first step, therefore, is to go to a specialist at the slightest sign of hearing loss. In this way, and with a professional diagnosis, the best solution can be found for each case. In this sense, hearing aids are, without a doubt, one of the most recommended. The great evolution of technology In recent years, it has allowed these devices to currently offer higher sound quality and a better understanding of words, in addition to having a smaller size – up to 3 centimeters or less – and presenting a more ergonomic and aesthetic design.
The general director of UMusic, Antonio Gassoinsists on the recorded evolution: “Current hearing aids have nothing to do with the rudimentary and unsightly hearing aids that began to be manufactured in the 1950s. Today there are 100% digital hearing aids, which cover all phases of hearing loss, with a “high sound quality and increasingly smaller electronic circuits”.
Choosing the right model
The choice of hearing aid always depends on the degree of hearing loss and the frequencies most affected. On the UMusic website you can see the existing catalog, with the characteristics of each model. And you can also consult the nearest center where free hearing checks are performed.
Today’s celebration of International Hearing Day reaches its tenth anniversary, after being established within the framework of the first International Conference on Prevention and Rehabilitation of Hearing Deficiencycelebrated in Beijing (China)in April 2007. The chosen date is related to the similarity of the number 3 and the shape of the ear.
