As people age, their bodies go through a variety of changes. One of the most common changes that older adults experience is a decline in their hearing abilities. Approximately 2% of adults between the ages of 45 and 54 have severe hearing loss, which jumps to 8.5% for those aged 55 to 64. This post will cover the changes in hearing and how to address them.
What Causes Hearing Loss in Older Adults?
Various factors can contribute to hearing loss in older adults. One common cause is age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis. As people age, the hair cells in the ears that help them hear begin to deteriorate, making it more difficult to hear certain sounds. Other factors contributing to hearing loss in older adults include exposure to loud noises and underlying health conditions.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss
You may notice several symptoms if you're beginning to suffer from hearing loss. These include difficulty hearing conversations, especially in loud or noisy environments, and difficulty understanding speech, especially when there is background noise. Another indicator is when someone turns up the volume on the television or radio.
Tips for Addressing Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be an isolating experience, causing difficulties in communication and interpersonal relationships. Here are a few tips to help.
Get Your Hearing Checked
The first step in addressing hearing loss is to have your hearing checked by an audiologist. They will be able to determine the extent of your hearing loss and recommend the best course of action.
Consider Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are one of the most effective ways to address hearing loss. They can help amplify sounds and make it easier for you to hear conversations and other sounds.
Practice Communication Strategies
Practice communication strategies such as looking at the speaker. This will help ensure that you can see their facial expressions and lip movements, improving conversation comprehension. Background noise can make it challenging to hear conversations, so try to find a quiet place to talk or use noise-canceling headphones.
Stay Socially Engaged
Stay socially engaged and connected with others. Not only is this good for your overall well-being, but it can also help to reduce feelings of isolation and depression that can often accompany hearing loss.
Hearing Loss Services
Hearing loss can be a difficult and frustrating experience. Still, you can improve your overall health and well-being by understanding the changes that occur and taking action to address them. Seek help and support from a hearing loss professional. You can enjoy a better quality of life and stay connected with loved ones with the proper care and treatment.