Almost 38 million Americans over 18 have some trouble hearing. However, according to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, hearing loss is more prevalent among the elderly. One in three seniors between 65 and 74 and nearly half of those over 75 suffer from hearing loss.
Hearing loss can adversely impact seniors’ lives and pose a potential safety risk if they cannot hear important sounds such as alarms and car horns. Connecting with others also becomes challenging. Difficulty understanding conversations could lead to social isolation and even contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Recognizing hearing loss symptoms and knowing when to consult a physician can help. Early detection and treatment can prevent further hearing loss and other associated health issues, allowing you to maintain a good quality of life. Read on to learn more.
Understanding Hearing Loss
Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is a gradual loss of hearing that affects both ears. Other common characteristics of presbycusis are:
- Trouble hearing high-pitched sounds first
- Ringing that may occur in one or both ears
- Difficulty understanding speech, especially in background noise
- Difficulty determining the origin of sounds
The Cleveland Clinic describes presbycusis as a type of sensorineural hearing loss that occurs when there is damage to the inner ear. Changes in the inner ear are the most common cause of age-related hearing loss. However, it can also occur when there are changes to the middle ear or brain nerve pathways.
Other common causes of presbycusis include:
- Loss of or damage to hair cells in the inner ear due to the aging process
- Long-term medical conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease
- Some medications, such as antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs
- Extended exposure to loud noises
- Genetic factors that may make some seniors more prone to hearing loss
If there is reduced blood flow to the inner ear it can accelerate the hearing loss. However, presbycusis is usually gradual, and there will be subtle indicators and symptoms. Identifying them can help with early detection of hearing loss.
Identifying Hearing Loss Symptoms
Senior hearing health often declines due to changes that occur over time in the inner ear as a person ages. The gradual damage slowly affects how effectively sound signals are sent to the brain. Common hearing loss symptoms include:
- Difficulty hearing conversations, especially in noisy environments
- Difficulty hearing consonants like “p”, “k”, “f”, “s”, and “ch”
- The need to increase the volume of devices
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Difficulty hearing children and people with higher-pitched voices, which often sound muffled
Other subtle hearing impairment indicators when a senior has presbycusis could be:
- Watching lips instead of making eye contact during conversations
- Difficulty following conversations when two or more people are speaking
- Clogging or a feeling of fullness in the ears
- Difficulty hearing on the phone
Symptoms may vary from person to person depending on the severity of the hearing loss.
How Hearing Loss Impacts Psychology and Social Life
Whether subtle or more pronounced, hearing loss can adversely affect seniors’ physical activities. Unfortunately, ongoing symptoms can have more than physical effects. There may also be a psychological and social impact.
Emotional Consequences
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, depression and social isolation can be the hidden risks of hearing loss. The communication barriers due to hearing loss increase the risk of both.
The institution’s studies showed that hearing loss contributed to faster brain deterioration. It may also discourage some seniors from conversing and socializing. Both factors can contribute to the onset of dementia.
Cognitive Effects
The increased risk of dementia due to hearing loss isn’t only a result of faster brain atrophy. It can also occur because the brain needs to work harder to interpret sounds, which can strain other cognitive systems.
Untreated hearing loss can lead to difficulties with:
- Memory
- Concentration
- Processing information
All can exacerbate cognitive decline.
When to Seek Help
Are you experiencing any or all of the symptoms above? Are they persistent? Or is your ability to hear worsening?
If you answered yes to any of these, you should seek help, particularly if symptoms are affecting your ability to do daily activities. When this occurs, it usually indicates the need for a hearing evaluation from a healthcare professional.
You can discuss your concerns with your primary care physician. After consultation, they will refer you to a specialist if needed.
The referral will involve an audiology consultation with an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor. Both can conduct a comprehensive hearing test and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Why Seek Help Early?
Early detection and treatment can help you effectively manage potential health issues associated with hearing loss. It can prevent further decline, allowing you to maintain your independence and improve your quality of life. Addressing hearing loss symptoms before they become more severe promotes overall well-being and minimizes the need for more intensive care later.
Getting help early can improve:
- Brain development
- Communication
- Cognitive abilities
It also decreases the risk of dementia, related to hearing loss.
Treatment Options
Access to hearing loss treatment options can improve hearing, resulting in a better quality of life. Your healthcare professional’s approach will depend on your individual needs and the severity of your hearing loss. Options may include:
- Hearing aids
- Assistive listening devices
- Closed-captioning on screens
In more severe cases a physician may opt for cochlear implants along with speech-reading training while managing earwax buildup. Lifestyle changes are also advisable. Consider managing underlying medical conditions, reducing noise exposure, and practicing good communication strategies, depending on the cause of the hearing loss.
Being Proactive About Hearing Health
Hearing loss symptoms in seniors can vary, depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Early detection and intervention is important regardless of the symptoms you experience. Take proactive steps regarding your hearing health by consulting with a healthcare professional.
Sabine Place Assisted Living facilitates residents’ scheduled doctor’s appointments. This is one of many services and amenities we provide, reflecting our dedication to residents’ overall well-being. Our trained staff can also support you throughout your hearing loss treatment.
Schedule a tour to learn more.
