Signs of Hearing Loss in Seniors: What to Watch For
If you’ve been having difficulty hearing, know that you’re not alone. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports that 15% of American adults between the ages of 18 and 65 experience common hearing issues.
About one in three people has some level of hearing loss. By the time a person reaches 75 years old, almost 50% of the population is affected by hearing loss.
Hearing loss can be a part of life for many of us, whether it’s due to aging, environmental factors, or genetics. However, it’s important to remember that there are signs of hearing loss in seniors that we can look out for, and there are many ways to manage this condition effectively. So, with that in mind, let’s explore some positive steps you can take if you’re experiencing hearing challenges.
Understanding Age-Related Hearing Loss
You may wonder exactly what causes hearing loss. Truthfully, it could be several things. Understanding your hearing loss will help you develop ways to treat or manage it.
Some of the most common reasons people experience hearing loss include:
- Age-related changes in the ear
- Long-term exposure to noise
- Medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes
- Medications and drug treatments, including chemotherapy
- Genetic family history
Common Signs of Hearing Loss in Seniors
If you notice any signs of hearing loss, it’s important to take them seriously. The earlier you recognize the problem, the faster you can take steps to address it.
Trouble Understanding What People Are Saying
“I’m sorry—I can’t understand what you’re saying.” – Straining to understand what others are saying is a common sign of hearing loss. This is usually accompanied by turning your ear toward the speaker or making a strained facial expression.
Frequently Asking People To Repeat Themselves
“Can you say that again?” – Asking someone to repeat what they’ve said is one of the most common signs of hearing loss in seniors. Although there are many reasons why you didn’t hear them, frequently asking this question could be a sign of something more.
Turning Up The Volume On The TV Or Radio Louder Than Usual
“Why is it turned up so loud?!” – If friends, family, and visitors are asking this question while you’re watching TV or listening to music, it could be a sign of hearing loss. Some individuals simply prefer loud sounds, but know that this can cause and contribute to ongoing hearing loss. One of the most common signs of hearing loss in seniors is the need to turn the volume up louder than usual.
Perceiving Others As Mumbling Or Speaking Unclearly
“Why are you always mumbling?” – Does it sound like everyone is mumbling? If so, they might not be the cause of the problem. Being consistently unable to understand what people are saying is a big sign of hearing loss in older adults.
Ringing In The Ears
“What is that annoying noise?!” – Hearing ringing, roaring, or buzzing sounds in your ear without any actual outside noise is a common hearing loss symptom. Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be caused by exposure to loud noises, age-related issues, medications, underlying medical conditions, or head or neck injuries.
Having Trouble Hearing On The Phone
“Wait… what did you say?” – Hearing loss can make communicating on the phone extremely difficult. Luckily, there are special caption phones that can make it easier! Phones, like the ClearCaptions Phone, provide near real-time captioning on a screen attached to your phone. This way, if you miss a word or two, you can read it on the screen and continue participating in the conversation.
Impact of Untreated Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a personal experience. Everyone goes through it differently, and we each respond to it in our own way. Ignoring hearing difficulties only makes the problem worse. For many older adults, hearing loss is a part of life, but we can handle it well if we face it and take action sooner rather than later.
When to Seek Help
Knowing when to seek help can help you come up with ways to treat or manage your hearing loss. If you have any of the hearing loss symptoms listed above or if you feel like you just aren’t hearing as well as you used to, take charge of the matter and visit a hearing health specialist as soon as you can.
Treatment Options
Today, there are a wide variety of solutions to help you understand and protect your hearing health as you age. There are many signs of hearing loss in seniors, and if you’ve experienced any of them, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a hearing care professional who can help you find the right treatment or tool to help improve your hearing.
In addition to medical interventions, a caption phone can be beneficial in helping you stay connected to those you love. Visit our Sign Me Up page to learn more or call 866-246-7850.
