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Elaine Paige health: Musical theatre star blames her career for her hearing impairment

Elaine Paige performs Don't Cry for Me Argentina

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The iconic performer said: “I’m a victim of my career having worked in the music business for over 55 years.” Elaine Paige elaborated: “Using headphones, singing with musicians and orchestras in confined surroundings obviously damages the ear.” In the candid interview, Elaine admitted to wearing a hearing aid at all times. Thankfully, though, with the advanced technology now available, her hearing loss has “not affected [her] concert, recording or radio work”, the songstress told The Sun.

Hearing loss

RNID, the national hearing loss charity, stated that hearing loss affects 12 million people in the UK.

As hearing loss can happen gradually, many people may miss the early warning signs of diminishing hearing.

During the coronavirus pandemic, “most audiology services were put on hold, including non-urgent hearing tests”.

Thus, in the two years since the pandemic began, the hearing of the nation might have worsened.

Signs of hearing loss

  • Turning the TV up louder than your family wants it
  • Finding it hard to follow conversation in pubs and restaurants
  • Struggling to hear on the phone
  • Often asking people to repeat what they say
  • Finding your partner complain that you don’t listen to them
  • Feeling that other people mumble.

If you think you may be suffering from hearing loss, it’s time to book a hearing test.

RNID offer a hearing check online and by the telephone (0844 800 3838), which can determine if you are suffering from hearing loss.

“Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge,” the charity noted.

Moreover, as it is not the same as a full heating test conducted by an audiologist, you will not find out how severe your hearing loss is.

You can also have your hearing checked at the doctor’s clinic, for free, or privately at large pharmacies and opticians.

There are different types of hearing loss, RNID confirmed, such as age-related hearing loss and noise-induced hearing loss.

Age-related hearing loss is known as presbycusis, which is the “single biggest cause of hearing loss”.

Age-related hearing loss affects both ears, caused by gradual wear and tear to the hair cells in the inner ear.

This type of hearing loss can cause difficulty with hearing “s”, “f”, and “th” sounds.

Noise-induced hearing loss, on the other hand – which Elaine believes she has – is caused by exposure to loud noise.

As the second biggest cause of hearing loss, it can affect your ability to hear high frequencies.

“This means you won’t be able to hear high-pitched sounds as well as sounds at lower pitches,” RNID elaborated.

If the noise exposure continues, the ability to hear a wide range of frequencies diminishes even further.

This type of hearing loss can result from working in noisy environments, listening to loud music, and hearing loud bursts of sounds, such as gunshots or explosions.

Both types of hearting loss can be addressed by wearing a hearing aid.

Elaine Paige will star on ITV’s All Star Musicals, at 8pm on Sunday, December 26.

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