As a person grows older, it is normal for his/her body to undergo some changes. These changes may include a decline in hearing ability. Age related hearing loss is also known as presbycusis.
Studies have shown that from age 65, almost 1 out of 2 people will experience hearing problems. Although this is not a life threatening condition, it could affect the way you communicate with the rest of the society if not attended to.
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Causes Of Age Related Hearing Loss
Age Related hearing loss doesn’t happen overnight, it takes years. There are many factors that could lead to hearing problems in old age.
These include –
- The structural changes in the inner ear
- Changes in blood supply to the ear
- Impairment in the hearing nerves
- Changes in the way the brain processes sounds
- Damages to the hairs in the ear which carry sounds from the ear to the brain
- Diabetes
- Exposure to loud noise
- Poor circulation
- Use of certain medications
- Family history of hearing loss
Symptoms Of Age Related Hearing Loss
Not being able to hear high pitched sounds is one of the major symptoms of age related hearing loss. Women and children usually have a higher voice pitch than men, if you notice it is becoming difficult to hear a woman’s or child’s voice, then that is a sign of a hearing problem.
Other symptoms of age related hearing loss includes –
- Some sounds may seem too loud to you
- Finding it hard to hear in noisy places
- Difficulty telling the difference between the “s” and “th” sounds
- Hearing ringing sounds
- Increasing the volume of the radio or TV to a level higher than normal
- Asking people to repeat themselves
- Not being able to hear clearly when you’re on the phone
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, then you need to pay your doctor a visit. The earlier the better.
Is There A Treatment For Age Related Hearing Loss?
Unfortunately there isn’t any cure for age related hearing loss. Nonetheless, your doctor can recommend a few things that will improve the quality of your hearing.
These include –
- Hearing aids – These will help you hear better
- Assistive devices – Such as a telephone amplifier
- Cochlear implants – These implants are surgically installed in your ears, and can help you hear sounds louder and better. This hearing amplifier for elderly doesn’t restore the patient’s normal hearing, it just amplifies it electronically. It is usually used by elders who have severe hearing impairment
Some doctors recommend sign language and lip reading classes for some elders whose hearing ability has seriously depreciated.
Prevention
Age related hearing loss is a progressive handicap, this means it gets worse over time. If you completely lose your ability to hear, then it will be permanent.
Using hearing aids for elderly can improve the quality of life, but be sure to talk to your doctor first about your treatment options.
You can also ask your doctor what you can do to reduce the effects of hearing problems on your daily life. It is unfortunate that there is a social isolation that comes with hearing problems, however you can find ways to deal with the depression and anxiety that come with it.
The truth is, there is no certain way to prevent age related hearing loss, but there are ways you can prevent it from getting worse.
Follow these tips –
- Avoid constant exposure to loud sounds
- Stop using headphones or earpieces
- Avoid noisy places like bars and nightclubs
- If you must be in a noisy place, then make sure you put on ear protection
- Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes
- Don’t let your grandkids scream into your ears
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned earlier in this article, then quickly go and get your ears checked.
Early treatment can help slow down the loss of hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the most commonly asked questions regarding age related hearing loss include –
Are Hearing Aids Really Effective?
Yes, hearing aids are effective. They have helped many elders who have hearing problems to hear better. Consult with your doctors before you make any decision. They are in the best position to know the treatment that is best for your specific condition.
Are Hearing Aids A Permanent Solution To Age Related Hearing Loss?
Please note that the use of hearing aids is not a permanent solution, and if by any chance the patient loses his hearing then it will be permanent. Hearing aids are only used to improve hearing, not treat loss of hearing.
Are Cochlear Implants Safe?
Yes they are, as long as they were recommended and surgically installed by qualified doctors.
At What Age Can A Person Experience Symptoms Of Hearing Loss?
Usually, symptoms of age related hearing loss are pronounced from the age of 65-70. But this is not to say that symptoms cannot manifest earlier. From a younger age, there are things you could do to reduce your chances of having hearing problems in your older age.
These include –
- Don’t always listen to music with headphones or earpieces. Sometimes play it out of your speaker
- While using earpieces, do not raise the volume of the music to the highest. This has been proven to cause damage to the ear. Even media players on mobile devices come with a warning, stating that listening to music at very high volumes can damage the ears
- If you are in a night club, do not sit close to the speakers
- Do not pick your ears with sharp objects. If you must clean your ears, do so with the right type of cotton buds
- If you are in a shooting range, always wear your ear guards
Conclusion
For seniors, the decline in hearing ability isn’t the end of the world. Visit your doctors regularly so they can help you get through it. Hearing aids can help you improve the quality of your hearing, but do not buy hearing aids without talking to your doctor first.
Take care!