All About Hearing Health
Hearing loss is more common that most people expect and can greatly affect one’s quality of life. Sadly many people are not aware of it. We are here to help.
The picture in Singapore & worldwide
What is Hearing Loss?
1.5B
Have disabling hearing loss, according to the World Health Organization.
— WHO, March 2019
1 in 3
Approximately one third of adults over 65 years old have disabling hearing loss.
— WHO
88%
Locally, around 39.1% of Singaporeans over 60 years old have disabling hearing loss.
— SGH
Causes of hearing loss are highly varied. Some types of hearing loss are reversible and others are permanent (irreversible). Reversible types include cerumen (earwax) blockage and infection. Irreversible types are usually attributed to noise exposure and age (presbycusis). Noise and age-related hearing loss are often progressive and gradual, and they often go undetected — especially by the individual.
Hearing loss can adversely affect an individual’s quality of life. With severe to profound hearing loss, safety and daily activities can be compromised. Any hearing loss — even in just one ear — can affect social functions and communication with loved ones. It can affect productivity and communication at work, leading to stress. Over time, the individual can be left feeling helpless and isolated, which may lead to mood disorder and other complications.
A study in Singapore estimated that more than 88% of Singaporeans over 60 years old have hearing loss.
Early detection
How Do We Detect It?
It is important to detect hearing loss and intervene early.
Extensive evidence has shown that unaided hearing impairment can accelerate the onset of cognitive decline and increasing the risk of dementia by up to 500% in the elderly. A timely assessment can make a meaningful difference, both for your quality of life and for your long-term cognitive health.
What to look out for
Signs of Hearing Impairment
If any of the following sound familiar — for you, or for someone you care for — it’s worth booking a hearing assessment.
You frequently miss what's been said and ask for it again — especially in conversation.
Restaurants, hawker centres, MRT stations — understanding speech in background noise has become harder.
Family dinners or meetings with multiple speakers feel exhausting or confusing.
It feels like everyone around you has started to speak less clearly — even though they haven't.
Family or housemates regularly say you speak loudly or turn up the TV up too loud, while it sounds just right to you.
You frequently miss out on everyday sounds like bicycle bells, doorbells, or alarms that others around you notice easily.
Ready to hear what you've been missing?
Book a hearing assessment or send us a question on WhatsApp. Same-week appointments are usually available.
For caregivers
Your parent isn't being stubborn. They probably can't hear you.
Many seniors don’t recognise how much they’re missing. Bringing a parent or loved one in for an unhurried hearing assessment is one of the most impactful steps you can take for their long-term cognitive and social health.
It's not stubbornness — their brain is genuinely missing the signal.
We never ever practise hardselling because we believe our clients need to be the decision-maker for the rehabilitation process to be successful.
Many seniors who refuse "hearing aids" will agree to a "dementia screening."
Book online
Book a professional service
Select your service below to schedule your visit at The Adelphi.
Ready to hear what you've been missing?
Book a hearing assessment or send us a question on WhatsApp. Same-week appointments are usually available.
