Hearing Impairment
Presbycusis, a
gradual and progressive hearing loss that starts in midlife and continues to
increase as years go by, is associated with the aging process. It usually occurs gradually and affects
both ears equally. Presbycusis is most commonly associated with changes in the
inner ear, typically involving the loss of some of the tiny receptor hair cells
found in the snail-shaped cochlea.
About 30% of people over 60 have a hearing impairment, but about 33% of
those 75 to 84, and about half of those over 85, have a hearing loss. Hearing
loss affects the older person's ability to talk easily with others. For
example, older people often have trouble hearing higher pitched tones. They
also may not be able to make out sounds or words when there is background
noise. Conversations may be difficult to hear, especially if the speaker has a
high voice or there is background interference.
Older persons may be frustrated or embarrassed about not being able to
understand what is being said. They may miss out on talks with friends and
family. On the telephone, they may find it hard to hear what the caller is
saying. At the doctor's office, they may not catch the doctor's words. They may
have to ask people to repeat themselves, or endure shouting when a speaker
tries to be heard. Older persons may hold back from conversation out of a fear
of making inappropriate comments. They may tire from concentrating and
straining to hear. As a result, the older person may withdraw from friends and
family and outside activities.
Sometimes hearing problems can make them feel embarrassed, upset, and
lonely. It's easy to withdraw when they can't follow a conversation at the
dinner table or in a restaurant. It's also easy for friends and family to think
they are confused, uncaring, or difficult, when the problem may be that they
just can't hear well.
As hearing impairment is an essential part of the normal aging process,
there is nothing wrong, embarrassing or fatal. That is a problem, but the
problem, which can be resolved in most cases. If you have trouble hearing, you
need to find assistance. Start by seeing your doctor. Depending on the type and
extent of your hearing loss, there are many treatment choices that may help.
Hearing loss does not have to get in the way of your ability to enjoy life.
A complete physical exam is performed to rule out medical conditions that
can cause hearing loss. The health care provider will use an instrument called
an otoscope to look in your ears. Sometimes, wax can block the ear canals and
cause hearing loss.
You may be sent to an ear, nose, and throat doctor and a hearing
specialist (audiologist). Hearing tests can help determine the extent of
hearing loss.
How Do I Know if I
Have a Hearing Loss?
See your doctor if you:
- Have trouble
hearing over the telephone,
- Find it hard to
follow conversations when two or more people are talking,
- Social events such as parties, concerts,
or watching television are less enjoyable because you can't hear as well,
- Need to turn up
the TV volume so loud that others complain,
- Have a problem
hearing because of background noise,
- Certain sounds seem loud or annoying.
- People do not seem to speak clearly-- it
sounds as if they are mumbling,
- Other people, particularly women and
children, are hard to understand,
- Another symptom is tinnitus, a ringing in the ears.
Sources and Additional Information:
