Our sense of hearing is an important part of the communication chain, as we all know. Being able to communicate and connect with each other is essential to our general health and wellbeing and contributes to the quality of our life. Yet approximately one in two adults over the age of 65 experience hearing loss to a certain degree, and while it’s a common condition, hearing loss can have a significant impact on the quality of life if left untreated.
What causes hearing loss in the elderly?
Age-related hearing loss occurs gradually over time due to wear and tear of tiny hair follicles found inside the inner ear. The medical term for age-related hearing loss is Presbycusis. Changes in the inner ear can cause hearing loss such as impairment in the nerves responsible for hearing, as well as changes in the way that the brain processes speech and sound. Hearing loss in the elderly can also be caused, or made worse even, by other things such as diabetes, poor circulation, smoking, an exposure to loud noises, certain medications, or from a history of hearing loss in the family.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
Hearing loss is noticeable when people mumble, slur their speech and keep asking those around them to repeat what they’ve said. A loss of hearing makes following conversations rather difficult, especially when there is a lot of background noise to contend with. Another tell-tale sign is listening to music or watching TV on full volume. If left untreated, hearing loss can become worse over time.
What can be done about hearing loss?
The first step is to approach a family doctor who will carry out some basic tests to check for temporary, treatable ear problems, such as a build-up of ear wax or a possible ear infection. If there’s no obvious cause, your doctor may then refer you for a hearing assessment with an audiologist or an ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist. A hearing assessment will indicate if a hearing device would be helpful. Types of hearing devices include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or a cochlear implant may be recommended in the case of severe or profound hearing loss. Hearing aids work by making sounds louder and clearer. While they won’t restore your hearing to what it was before, a hearing aid will make life much easier.
How to support an elderly person experiencing hearing loss?
Many people do not want to admit they have trouble hearing. Often older people may become confused, unresponsive, or uncooperative because they can’t hear well. When speaking to someone with a hearing difficulty, remember to always be patient, speak at a normal pace while pronouncing your words clearly, and never yell.
Further reading and sources:
- www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/conditions-illnesses/hearing-loss/
- www.healthyhearing.com/report/52510-Presbycusis-understanding-age-related-hearing-loss
- www.healthline.com/health/age-related-hearing-loss
- www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hearing-loss/caregiver-guidance-resisting-help-for-hearing-loss
Keywords
Hearing; hearing loss; hearing impairment; deafness; communication; cochlear implant; hearing aid; speech; ears; auditory; deafness; elderly; senior person; presbycusis; audiologist; ear specialist