Roughly a third of all elderly people between the ages of 65 and 74 have some degree of hearing loss. In addition, almost half of those over the age of 75 have trouble hearing. Difficulty hearing can cause a variety of problems for an older person, including making it harder for them to understand and comply with a doctor's orders. They may also have trouble responding to doorbells and hearing alarms in their home. Interacting with friends and family may also be a significant source of frustration.
The first question a senior citizen will have to answer is: Do I have trouble hearing?
Signs that this may be the case include:
- They have trouble hearing when using a telephone.
- They have trouble hearing when there is noise in the background.
- They are not able to follow a conversation if more than one person is talking at the same time.
- They often misunderstand what others are saying and respond in an inappropriate way.
- They may turn the volume on their television or radio to excessively high levels.
Solutions for Elderly People with Hearing Loss If an individual is suffering from hearing loss, they should seek the help of a professional. One professional who can help is an otolaryngologist. This doctor’s specialty is the diagnosis of hearing problems. An otolaryngologist and can provide options for treating hearing problems. An audiologist is another type of doctor who may be able to help. Audiologists are trained to identify different types of hearing loss as well as the degree to which hearing has been lost. Audiologists may be able to fit a hearing aid.
About Hearing Aids These are electronic devices worn behind the ear. They amplify sounds. To find the hearing aid that works best for a particular patient, it will be necessary to try multiple devices. An audiologist can provide help in this area. They will also be able to help an elderly person adjust to the fact that sounds are different with a hearing aid.
Benefits of Getting a Hearing Aid Now
- The longer the patient waits, the harder it will be for their brain to adjust to a hearing aid. This is because wearing a hearing aid involves relearning certain sounds. Starting as soon as possible gives the patient’s brain more time to adapt.
- When people start using hearing aids, it can improve their quality of life, according to the national Council on Aging. They will have a greater sense of independence as well as improved mental health.
- Hearing loss has been tied to dementia. Seniors who do not have their hearing loss treated face a considerably higher risk of developing the condition. While the reasons for this are not known, it is thought that auditory deprivation is a cause.
Hearing aids do not cure hearing loss but they do enable communication and thus can make an elderly person's life better. It is essential that the diagnosis and treatment of hearing problems not be postponed.