Hearing loss is a common problem in older adults. Almost one-third of adults 65-74 suffer from hearing loss. Nearly half (50%) of people 75 years and older suffer from hearing loss.
Age-related hearing loss can lead to serious consequences. Seniors who have lost their hearing may misunderstand or fail to understand a doctor’s instructions, not listen to warnings or hear doorbells, phone calls, and smoke alarms. Seniors with loss of hearing can become isolated, which may make it difficult to spend time with loved ones and friends.
Learn about hearing loss in seniors, its effects on overall health and how caregivers can help those with hearing problems.
Signs and symptoms of hearing loss in older adults
Many people don’t realize they have hearing loss. They think that people aren’t speaking clearly enough, or that the TV is too soft.
These are signs that could indicate hearing loss
- Asking people for their repeats
- You fail to recognize when women or children are speaking to your ears
- The feeling that background noise drowns out your voices
- It is difficult to understand conversations between more than one person.
- Hearing difficulties during a phone conversation
- People complain about having to crank up the volume on their TVs.
- It is easy to think that others are just mumbling.
Caregivers may believe that loved ones are uncooperative, confused, or unresponsive when they actually don’t hear very well.
Senior Health
People with hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia. However, not everyone will be diagnosed. Hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline in older adults, which can cause problems with memory and concentration.
Types Of Hearing Loss
There are many types and levels of hearing loss. Hearing loss can range from mild, which can cause problems with high-pitched sounds such as the voices of children or women, to severe, when it is only possible to hear very loud sounds.
Here are some examples of hearing loss that can affect seniors.
- Presbycusis is an age-related hearing loss. This gradual loss of hearing is common in families. It can be caused by changes in the auditory nerve or inner ear. This type of hearing loss can be difficult to detect.
- Sudden Hearing Loss – Sudden Deafness can occur suddenly or over several days. Seniors who experience sudden hearing loss should see a doctor immediately.
- Tinnitus is a common hearing loss in seniors. The ringing in your ears is the most common sign. However, it can also sound like clicking, buzzing, hissing, or roaring. You may feel it in either one or both of your ears. It can also be intermittent and loud. Tinnitus may be a sign that you have other health issues, so it is important to see a doctor.
Causes for Hearing Loss
There are many ways that someone could lose their hearing. Here are some causes of hearing loss in seniors.
- Conditions Diabetes and high blood pressure may lead to hearing loss in senior citizens. You may also be at fault for hearing loss due to injury, infection, heart disease, stroke, or other causes.
- Heredity – While some causes are obvious at birth, others become evident later in life such as structural defects.
- Loud sounds This is the leading cause of hearing loss. It can be caused by industrial equipment or loud music.
- Medicine Some heart and cancer drugs can cause damage to the inner ear.
- Physical causes This could include earwax or fluid, or even a punctured and irritated eardrum.
Prevention of Hearing Loss
While age-related hearing loss is inevitable, there are ways to stop it from getting worse.
- Avoid loud sounds
- Live a healthy life
- Wear ear protection
Your doctor should be notified if your hearing is impaired or if you are taking new medication.
Treatment for Hearing Loss
To prevent hearing loss from getting worse, it is important to treat them immediately. To assess hearing loss, you should visit a doctor. Your primary care physician should be your first stop. They may be able to assess any changes and will also have a complete record of your medications.
- Audiologists These professionals assess and determine the severity and type of hearing loss. They can also fit hearing aids.
- Otolaryngologist This doctor is trained in diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the ears, neck, throat, and throat. Sometimes they are called ENT.
You may have the following options if you have corrected hearing loss:
- Assisted Listening Devices There are many apps and gadgets that can amplify sounds. Closed-circuit systems can also be used in auditoriums, theaters, and other public spaces.
- Bone-anchored Hearing Systems – These systems bypass the middle ear, and convert sounds into vibrations that are transmitted through your skull bone to your inner ears.
- Cochlear Implants are tiny electronic devices that are surgically placed in the inner ear. These devices are for people with severe or profound hearing loss.
- Hearing aids can amplify sounds by being worn behind your ears or in your ear. Insurance may not cover hearing aids, but there are new over-the-counter options.
How to Cope with Hearing Loss
It can be embarrassing to have hearing loss, but it doesn’t have to be. If you tell people, they are often more than willing to help. These are some ways you can ask for help and show empathy to someone with hearing loss.
What to Tell People About Your Hearing Loss
Tell people that you have difficulty hearing and they will be able to help.
- Ask them to speak slowly and clearly.
- Talk to them in a quieter area.
- If you don’t understand something, let the person know.
- If you are having trouble understanding a sentence, ask them to reword it.
- Encourage them to speak up, but not to yell.
Helping someone with hearing loss
This is how you can help someone with hearing loss if you are talking to them.
- Keep calm, be patient, and don’t forget to relax.
- Do not cover your mouth.
- Keep your eyes on the person while you speak.
- To reduce background noise, find a quiet spot to talk.
- In your group discussions, including people with hearing impairment.
- Talk louder than usual, but don’t shout. Talk slowly, but naturally.
It doesn’t mean that hearing loss should be a reason to stop socializing with others and enjoy their company.
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