Dealing with Age-Related Hearing Loss
Hearing loss doesn't happen overnight. It's a gradual decline, subtle at first, until it becomes impossible to ignore. A certain degree of hearing loss is common in old age. According to John Hopkins Medicine, 1 in 3 adults between ages 65 and 74 experience hearing loss. Age-related hearing loss, called presbycusis, often starts as early as our 40s! It escapes our notice until it progresses.
If your aging loved one is having trouble hearing, they may not be aware, or they may be embarrassed. You can support them by educating yourself on the matter - and you're in the right place.
Types of Hearing Loss
In general, hearing loss is placed into three categories. The three categories are:
Conductive Hearing Loss - This hearing loss is caused by a physical sound barrier in the ear. This can be due to fluid from infection or earwax. Eardrum damage can cause this too. Typically, this hearing loss is temporary and treatable.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss - With this type, hearing loss results from damage to the inner ear or hearing nerve itself. Usually, this hearing loss cannot be reversed.
Mixed Hearing Loss - As the name suggests, this type of hearing loss is from a combination of conductive and sensorineural causes.
Causes of Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss has many causes, only one of which is old age. Other causes of sensorineural hearing loss are:
Genetics - People born with hearing loss are diagnosed with congenital sensorineural hearing loss.
Issues During Pregnancy - Certain infections can lead to inner ear damage for the unborn. These viruses cytomegalovirus, rubella, herpes, and toxoplasmosis.
Childbirth Complications - Complications, like low fetal oxygen, can can lead to inner ear or nerve damage.
Accidents - Head injuries and loud noises can cause permanent hearing loss. All the more reason to wear helmets and ear protection!
Medication Side Effects - Surprisingly, over 200 prescription drugs are classified as ototoxic, or toxic to ears. These drugs include chemotherapy, antipsychotics, antibiotics, and even NSAIDs.
Old Age - Aging is the most common reason. Nothing lasts forever, and this includes your hearing. Called presbycusis, age-related hearing loss affects both ears and is progressive.
Signs of Hearing Loss
Age-related hearing loss doesn't happen overnight. It starts small and goes unnoticed. The first sign is usually missing high-pitched noises. Here are other signs to look for.
Trouble hearing higher-pitched voices (like women and children)
Experiencing tinnitus, or a ringing, buzzing, or clicking in the ears
Turning the volume of electronics higher and higher
Having trouble understanding conversations in crowds
Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
Mixing up similar sounds like "sh," "s," "f," and "th"
How to Deal with Age-Related Hearing Loss
Since age-related hearing loss is so common, there are many ways to help those with it.
Hearing Aids - Hearing aids are devices placed in the ear that amplify sounds. They cannot restore hearing. Hearing aids can be prescribed or bought without a prescription.
Visual Aids - Visual aids provide visual cues for sounds someone might not hear. Smart lights can activate for doorbells or smoke alarms. Doorbell monitors can also flash lights or activate a camera monitor.
Communication Changes - When you're speaking to someone with hearing loss, simple modifications make all the difference. When talking, keep eye contact and don't cover your mouth so they can read your lips and facial expressions. Also try to decrease background noise, like TVs or other people talking.
We Can Help
Aging, along with its hearing loss, can bring a whole host of complications. If your loved one could use extra help, it may be time for home health. Call Seniors Fix at 240-744-0674 for a free consultation.
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