What's you REAL hearing age? Take this 30-second test to see
Life is full of loud noises - from rock concerts to crying babies and noisy football stadiums - so it's not surprising that our ears get weaker the older we get.
But just how much should you be able to tune into at your age? Here, you can take a quick, 30-second test to find out.
One of the most common types of hearing loss - presbycusis - happens as, while growing up, a person will gradually find it difficult to hear 'high-frequency' sounds, such as the voices of women and young children.
According Decibel Hearing Services, this can happen for a number of reasons, including exposure to loudness, genetics and health issues.
'Many things affect our hearing as we age,' the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders also explained.
'For example, changes in the inner ear that can affect hearing are common. Age-related changes in the middle ear and complex changes along the nerve pathways from the ear to the brain can also affect hearing.'
Humans can typically hear frequencies between 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz. But these upper limits start to dwindle with age, so the average adult is much more likely to be between 15,000–17,000 Hz.
Most people will comfortable be able to hear 8,000 Hz.
However, those who are aged over 50 may struggle with hearing above 12,000 Hz, while people over 40 will struggle with more than 15,000 Hz.
When it gets to around 17,000 Hz - only teenagers can typically hear these frequencies.
Eargym have devised a test to see what your 'hearing age' is - starting at low frequencies well into the 200s Hz and going up to 200,000 Hz.
At 70, many will be able to hear around 9,000 Hz, with the limit going up to about 10,000 for those in their 60s.
At 50, 12,000 Hz is the upper limit, while at 40, it becomes 14,000 Hz. At 30, people will hear into 15,000 Hz, while at 20 it's about 17,000 Hz.
Once you get into the teens, people may hear well up until 20,000 Hz.
At 50, 12,000 Hz is the upper limit, while at 40, it becomes 14,000 Hz. At 30, people will hear into 15,000 Hz, while at 20 it's about 17,000 Hz
One of the most common types of hearing loss - presbycusis - happens as, while growing up, a person will gradually find it difficult to hear 'high-frequency' sounds, such as the voices of women and young children
Speaking to MailOnline last year, Andy Shanks, hearing health expert and co-founder at eargym, said: 'The majority of us will experience some form of hearing loss in our lifetimes.
'But if we can spot the signs early and make some small changes, we can take steps to protect our hearing and prevent future avoidable hearing loss.'
He suggests using games such as this 30 second test to check your hearing regularly and pick up on any abnormal changes.
'Safe listening practices, such as the use of ear defenders, gigplugs and noise-cancelling headphones, can also make a big difference when it comes to protecting our hearing health long in the future,' he added.
'Hearing loss is one of the biggest modifiable risk factors for dementia and is strongly associated with poor mental health and cognitive decline.
'So taking care of our hearing at all ages is essential to protect not only our ears but also our minds.'
Around 12million people in the UK are affected by hearing loss.
It is associated with social isolation and cognitive decline, and is one of the biggest modifiable risk factors when it comes to developing dementia.
Speaking to MailOnline last year , Andy Shanks, hearing health expert and co-founder at eargym, said: 'The majority of us will experience some form of hearing loss in our lifetimes'
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS?
Hearing loss is common, particularly when you get older.
Hearing loss can affect a child's speech development and also their progress at school.
It can be caused by something that can be easily treated or something more serious, so it is important to visit your GP.
Common signs of hearing loss include:
Difficulty hearing other people clearly and misunderstanding what they say, especially in noisy places
Asking people to repeat themselves
Listening to music or watching TV with the volume higher than other people need
Difficulty hearing on the phone
Finding it hard to keep up with a conversation
Feeling tired or stressed from having to concentrate while listening
Source: NHS
Yet adults wait an average 8.9 years before seeking help.
Research suggests hearing loss costs the UK economy £25bn a year in lost productivity and unemployment.
Common signs you're suffering from hearing loss include asking people to repeat themselves, difficulty hearing on the phone and listening to music or the TV at a higher volume than other people need, the NHS warns.
There are lots of possible causes of hearing loss, such as an ear infection, ear wax or age.
But it could also be caused by a perforated eardrum, which causes a sudden hearing loss or Ménière's disease which can affect your balance and hearing.
If you notice signs of hearing loss it is important not to self diagnose and visit your GP for a more thorough hearing test.
It comes as in December, an American pharmacist has revealed 11 of the common medications that can trigger the uncomfortable sensation known as tinnitus.
The condition, which affects more than 50 million people in the US, is a symptom of several medical conditions like ear injuries, earwax blockage or age-related hearing loss.
Sometimes the noise is present in one or both ears and it is most commonly described as a ringing, but it can also present itself as a range of sounds including buzzing, roaring, and whistling.
While there is no cure, pharmacist Ayesha Gulzar says there are things you can do to reduce its impact, starting with checking what medications you are taking.
She explained: 'Certain medications cause tinnitus, which can be temporary or rarely permanent and depends on different factors.
'Common ototoxic drugs (drugs that can have toxic effects on the ears) include antibiotics, analgesics (pain relievers), blood pressure medications, anticonvulsants (anti-seizure drugs), and others.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Be aware of the hidden dangers of your guilty pleasures that could cause cancer, including being busy
A sip of wine, a craving for pizza, having a full calendar may all seem like harmless aspects of life but a scientist has revealed such seemingly innocent actions could be putting you on the brink of developing cancer. University of California's Dr Raphael Cuomo claims chronic stress, fast food, alcohol, and drugs are an almost surefire way to set yourself up for a diagnosis with the disease later in life. In Dr Cuomo's new book Crave: The Hidden Biology Of Addiction And Cancer, he noted that the body's repetitive desire to indulge in junk food and addictive behaviors drove the body to the deadly condition: 'Crave reveals how modern habits like vaping, binge-eating, and daily cannabis use hijack our biology.' The expert added: 'These behaviors quietly damage the body's ability to repair itself. Over time, they open the door to cancer. It is not about genetics or bad luck. It is about the choices we make every day.' Over 600,000 Americans and more than 150,000 Brits die of various cancers every year. After studying 'millions of patient records' from across the University of California hospitals and spending months reviewing studies on cancer biology, Dr Cuomo revealed what he says are the top habits most likely to cause the destructive illness. Fast food Dr Cuomo called eating fast food 'slow poison', and noted that its effects could not be seen immediately but might cause long-term damage. Earlier this year, researchers tested more than 300 foods sold at restaurant chains and in grocery stores across America for two microscopic toxins that have been linked to cancer, infertility, and autism. They found that of all fast-food restaurants, the salad chain Sweetgreen and coffeehouse Starbucks scored poorest. Sweetgreen's Chicken Pesto Parm Salad and Starbucks' Matcha Latte was found to contain the highest amount of phthalates, a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and transparent. Studies showed that phthalates, commonly used in food packaging material, imitate the body's hormones and interfere with the production of and response to natural hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Some phthalates were linked to certain cancers, particularly breast cancer and lymphoma. However, Dr Cuomo pointed towards fiber consumption as a critical part of reversing damage as it would help improve gut bacteria, reduce inflammation, and keep cells healthy. Smoking and drinking Smoking causes about 30 per cent of overall cancer deaths in the U.S. and is a leading cause of lung, brain, neck, and bladder cancer. Alcohol consumption's been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colon, liver, and esophageal cancer. About 20,000 people die of booze-related cancers, annually. Researchers in Germany found that a combination of drinking and smoking significantly raised the risk of colon cancer in young Americans. Researchers analyzed two dozen studies, comparing regular drinkers and smokers with people who abstained from both. Just 100 cigarettes in a person's lifetime - the equivalent of one per week for two years - was linked to a 59 per cent higher risk of colon cancer compared to people who never smoked. They also found drinking alcohol every day raised the risk of developing early onset colon cancer by 39 per cent, even if it's just one or two drinks per day. Alcohol and smoking have both been linked to cancer in the past, as they release chemicals that destroy DNA and cause cells to mutate. Also, each daily can of beer or glass of wine further increased the chance by an additional two per cent. In his book, Dr Cuomo noted that deep sleep is the 'most underestimated tool' to improve damage caused by addictions, such as smoking and drinking. He explained that during consistent deep sleep, the body performs critical tasks such as repairing tissues, regulating hormones, consolidating memory, and clearing metabolic waste. Stress A 2024 study presented at the United European Gastroenterology congress by a group of Chinese researchers noted that a combination of chronic stress and anxiety has been linked to colorectal cancer in young people. They explained when a body is under frequent stress, a number of healthy bacteria that live in the gut start dying off, making it easier for cancer to move in. When the bacteria die off, tumors grow more quickly, leading to more aggressive, rapidly growing colorectal cancers. Research from Trinity College in Ireland suggested these bacteria support the body's immune system, can protect against virus and bacteria, and prevent damage in gut cells. Apart from this, chronic stress can lead to increased levels of cortisol and other stress hormones in the body that can promote cancer growth and its spread to various parts of the body. A constant state of stress can also weaken the immune system's ability to effectively fight off cancer cells. However, Dr Cuomo believes that there are ways to break free from all addictions and prevent cancer development in the body. He said: 'The real threat is not a single cocktail or slice of cake. It is the craving that drives you back again and again. 'That craving is what wears down your body's defenses. I tell people to test their control. Start with one week of abstention. Not forever. Just seven days. That short reset reveals a lot. 'You learn what your body depends on. During that time, focus on physical recovery. Sleep deeply. Move your body. Eat real food. 'Spend time with people you trust. Addiction thrives in isolation. Recovery begins with reconnection.' Additionally, Dr Cuomo suggested replacing the habit by engaging in some form of movement, such as taking regular walks.
The Guardian
3 hours ago
- The Guardian
Labor MP Dan Repacholi on masculinity, men's health and why he was ‘embarrassed' to visit his doctor
'Big Dan' Repacholi is still eating big burgers – but after a major health kick which saw him lose more than 30kg, he's down to one sandwich per sitting, from his previous three. After a period where he admits he was 'embarrassed' to visit his doctor, the affable and popular member for Hunter has been named the federal government's special envoy for men's health, and is on a crusade to get blokes and boys to talk about their problems with health professionals and their families. For the second-term Labor MP, that meant talking to friends and doctors about eating healthier. For other men in Australia, as Repacholi tells Guardian Australia in a revealing and frank interview, it may mean talking about mental health, sexual health or toxic masculinity. 'It's about getting the conversation going between blokes, to go 'I just went and had a heart health checkup today, and you know what? They actually found something,'' he says. 'On the mental health side of things, there are so many, so many men and boys who are struggling. But it also is about teaching boys and young adolescents the right level of masculinity, through schools as well, about what is acceptable and what isn't.' 'Talk to 50 blokes, especially those that are a little bit older, they still think you need to get a finger in the arse to get a prostate check; they don't realise it's a simple little blood test. There's so much that isn't getting out there to the average population and that we need to do better at.' Repacholi, standing over two metres tall with a big bushy beard, came to parliament last term after a life working in the Hunter Valley mining industry and a glittering career in pistol shooting as a former Olympiian and Commonwealth Games champion. Well-liked around Canberra, he's known for producing an annual calendar with photos of him eating large hamburgers around the Hunter region; but he admits he indulged to excess, particularly enjoying KFC and finishing off his family's dinner leftovers. 'I got to 152 kilos,' Repacholi says. 'It's the biggest I've ever been. And I've always been a big guy – I don't remember seeing large [size shirts], I only see Xs in front of it.' 'I was walking down the street in Cessnock, and I saw myself in a window … and I thought, 'Holy fuck, look how fat you are.'' Repacholi says he spoke to two medical doctors in the Labor caucus, Mike Freelander and Gordon Reid, admitting he was looking for 'a quick fix'. Repacholi is open about having used injectable weight management drugs, but he was told to go see his doctor for a weight-loss plan. 'I was embarrassed to go see my doctor, because I'd gotten so big,' he says. 'I didn't tell anyone at first … but then I thought, this is going to be fine, I'll give it a go.' Now having dropped a large amount of weight, aided by a gym workout plan and healthy eating, Repacholi says he wants to share his story in hopes of being an example for other men feeling sheepish about asking for help. 'I thought, we should be having those conversations, and I should be telling people about this, because there might be millions of people like me embarrassed to go see their doctor,' he says. 'If an elected official can't have these conversations, how do you expect George, or Tom or Craig down the street to be able to?' The annual burger calendar though, Repacholi laughs, is safe and will continue. Named to the envoy role last month, working under the health minister, Mark Butler, Repacholi is taking to it with abandon. The past week has been Men's Health Week, and Repacholi – already known for his zany and enthusiastic social media presence – has posted videos about calling Butler for a goodnight check-in and a meme about erectile dysfunction . 'Or as some of us call it: 'the old fella clocking off early',' Repacholi posted, saying men 'should be chatting about it more'. This article includes content provided by Instagram. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. To view this content, click 'Allow and continue'. The MP says his advocacy role will cover all aspects of men's health, physical and mental. He points to Men's Sheds, including virtual ones and Facebook groups, as avenues he thinks work well, but raised concerns about how adolescents learned about relationships. 'Most young boys are finding out about sex through porn. They're not being taught at school. Their first encounters into anything like that is looking at porn online, and that can go down so many different rabbit warrens that you don't want to open it up,' he says. 'It's about teaching them how to respect women, how to respect ladies, how to respect girls, or how to respect any partner that they have.' The social services portfolio, under former minister Amanda Rishworth and new minister Tanya Plibersek, has been working on issues around healthy relationships, domestic violence and masculinity for some time, with particular concern around 'men's rights' influencers on social media perpetuating toxic attitudes towards gender roles and sex. Repacholi says that will be part of his focus, working with social services. 'If we can get these young boys on the right track in school with learning what the right level of healthy masculinity is, we're on to a winner,' he says. 'If they can see that if they do treat somebody like what some of those people [men's right influencers] have been, they don't get any respect. 'It's a hard, hard conversation. There's no doubt about that. And we're always going to have people like that in the world that will say that. 'But hopefully the young boys out there can see that that is not the right way.'
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Researchers pinpoint key sexual change that puts America on course for 2050 catastrophe
Women are having their first child older than ever, according to new data that suggests the already-shrinking US fertility rate could see further declines. A new CDC report analyzing births from 2016 through 2023 found that the average age of first-time moms rose by nearly a year - from 26.6 years old in 2016 to 27.5 years old in 2023. Similar increases were also observed among women having their second and third children, with the average age at birth rising by one year for second births and just short of a year for third and higher-order births. Maternal age has been rising for decades, as the fertility rate in the US has been failing - having plunged to another new low in 2023, with fewer women than at any point in history having children. The rate was 54.5 births per 1,000 women of childbearing age (15 to 44 years old) last year, a three percent fall compared to 56 in 2022. The number of babies born in the US also declined year-over-year, with just under 3.6 million live births. Dr Jamie Grifo, the program director at New York University Langone Fertility Center, told 'We're below zero population growth in the US, and have been for years. 'I think there will be a social factor. There will be a lot of issues that result from the lack of reproduction.' The number of first births at age 30 and older also grew by nearly 13 percent for mothers ages 30 to 34 (from 22.3 percent to about 25 percent) and 25 percent for mothers age 35 and older (from 10 percent to 12.5 percent) from 2016 to 2023 The most recent CDC data showed that in 2023, the total fertility rate fell to 1.62 births per woman, the lowest since the government began tracking the metric in the 1930s. Experts say the US is headed for a so-called 'underpopulation crisis' by 2050, when too few people are born to support its current economic system. A previous National Vital Statistics Report found that from 1970 to 2000, the average age of mothers in the US rose by 2.6 years, with the most significant increase occurring among first-time mothers - from 21.4 in 1970 to 25 in 2000. The number of first births at age 30 and older also grew by nearly 13 percent for mothers ages 30 to 34 (from 22.3 percent to about 25 percent) and 25 percent for mothers age 35 and older (from 10 percent to 12.5 percent) from 2016 to 2023. This could be due to the rise in availability of birth control, as well as a steadily growing number of women in the workforce who are prioritizing career over starting a family. The increase in age at the start of motherhood suggests that the fertility rate is set to fall further. The CDC data shows women on average in 2023 are having 25 percent fewer children than their mothers and 50 percent fewer than their grandmothers. Births among women in their twenties have dropped by nearly one-third. 'Monitoring trends in maternal age at birth is important because maternal age can impact the total number of births and population growth and is associated with birth outcomes for both mothers and infants,' the CDC researchers said. 'For example, higher maternal age is linked to smaller family size on average and may carry different health risks and benefits compared with younger maternal age.' Older maternal age, particularly past 35, increases some risks of pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes and miscarriage, as well as genetic abnormalities in the baby, like Down syndrome. 'This long-term shift reflects changes in societal, educational, and economic factors influencing when women begin childbearing,' the researchers said. The foundation for higher birth ages was laid in 1960 with the debut of the birth control pill, giving women control for the first time of their childbearing years. In the years since, it's become more common for people to have children later in life for various reasons — from financial concerns and child care challenges to delaying marriage or partnership and focusing on education, careers, or personal time in early adulthood. Choosing not to have children has also become more socially accepted, with some data indicating that more people are making that choice. Some studies suggest that kids born to older parents — who tend to be college-educated and relatively affluent — often grow up to be healthier, better educated, and better behaved than peers with younger parents. And women who have children later in life report larger happiness boosts around and after their birth, compared to younger mothers. In a 2018 New York Times survey, about 25 percent of respondents said they had fewer children — or expected to — than they'd initially hoped for, often because of financial limitations or feeling they'd run out of time to reach their ideal family size.
