Don't let hearing problems keep you from enjoying life

MANILA, Philippines - Are you one of those who occasionally nod or just join in the laughter but absolutely has no idea what friends are talking about?

Being hard of hearing not only strips you of your right to enjoy the beauty of life’s sounds, but more importantly prevents you from living life to the fullest.

Hearing loss happens when the ear develops a problem with the sensation of hearing, which ranges from slight difficulty in hearing to total deafness. This may be caused by noise, infections, ear trauma, advancing age and heredity.

So how would you know if you’re having hearing problems? Dr. Ernest Manas, otorhinolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center, says, “If the hearing loss happens suddenly in one ear, the person is usually aware of the loss and will seek help immediately. In many cases, however, like in the elderly, the hearing loss develops in both ears, that worsen gradually over time. These individuals may not realize, or even deny, the presence of a hearing problem until the people around them start complaining.”

Hearing loss shouldn’t be taken for granted. Explains Manas: “Hearing loss has been included among the diseases or disorders that burden the majority of the world’s population. It continues to affect the quality of life and productivity of majority of the general population. Surprisingly causes like noise-induced hearing loss may actually be prevented, if the person will just be cautious when listening to music at close range. If you already have a hearing problem, it is important to consult an ear specialist to know of the extent of your problem.”

At Asian Hospital and Medical Center Hearing Unit, for instance, a comprehensive range of hearing tests is available to give an expert diagnosis of a hearing problem.

It is also staffed by highly trained ENT specialists and audiologists who will give a detailed assessment of a patient’s hearing condition and educate him on the importance of using hearing aids to help restore hearing.

“A hearing aid amplifies sound to improve or regain your hearing either in one ear or both ears. At the Hearing Unit, we always emphasize the importance of hearing devices to help regain the quality of life of the individual. It also offers a wide range of high-quality hearing aids from the world’s top leaders in hearing aids,” says Manas.

Asian Hospital and Medical Center has partnered with the country’s top distributors: Ear Diagnostics Inc., Ledesma Audiological Center Inc. and Manila Hearing Aid to offer the latest in hearing technology.

It currently offers cleverly designed, “invisible” hearing instruments from brands like top Phonak, Widex, Delta and Rexton to provide patients with the benefit of better hearing without the burden of bulkier hearing aids.

What’s more, Asian Hospital and Medical Center offers 10 percent discount to patients who avail themselves of its hearing aids until June 30.

To avail oneself of this discount, just present a prescription for hearing aid fitting from an ENT specialist and a current hearing test. If you don’t have a prescription, you can secure one from the Asian Hospital and Medical Center Hearing Unit, where you will be referred to an ENT specialist for a hearing test before providing a prescription for hearing aid fitting.

For appointments or inquiries, visit the Asian Hospital and Medical Center Hearing Unit at 2nd Floor, Medical Office Building, or call 771-9000 to 9002, extension 8208; telefax 876-576; e-mail at [email protected]; or log on to www.asianhospital.com.