Among seniors, hearing loss is the third most prevalent but treatable disabling condition behind arthritis and hypertension. However, accurate estimates of the prevalence of hearing loss are very difficult to obtain.
There are two main reasons. First, most of the research information available relies on self-reports and the inconsistent use of terms and definitions. Second, it is common for people to deny their hearing loss and/or not realize the extent of their hearing impairment. For example, many hard of hearing people have adapted well to their hearing loss and may not report any hearing difficulties, therefore, excluding themselves from national estimates.
With these limitations in mind, research suggests one in every three Americans over 65 has hearing loss. Frequently, however, hearing loss is misinterpreted as a lack of intelligence or a lack of interest. The reality is that individuals with hearing loss are sometimes the last to recognize they have a problem. Since hearing loss may occur very gradually, people often do not realize they cannot hear. Instead, they turn up the television, ask to have conversations repeated, and misunderstand a comment or two. Eventually conversations become more a chore than a pleasure.
Do You Have Hearing Loss?
• Do you tune out from a conversation when there is more than one person talking?
• Do long conversations make you tired or irritable?
• When you respond to people, do they appear puzzled or embarrassed by the response?
• Do you frequently misunderstand people and ask them to repeat what they have said?
• Do you have the television or radio turned up louder than others in the house?
• Have you chosen not to participate in a group activity because of difficulty hearing?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have hearing loss.
What to Do Next
Ask your doctor for a referral to an audiologist who can perform a comprehensive hearing evaluation in a soundproof room, where you will respond to various sounds. The audiologist can test the degree of hearing, the kind of hearing loss, and the ability to understand speech in different settings.
If you need a hearing aid, get information about purchasing one and pursue this option carefully.
If a hearing aid is recommended, give yourself time to adjust to the hearing aid and learn additional communication strategies to help you better communicate. If you suspect you have a hearing loss, please contact an hearing specialist for a comprehensive audiogram, to determine the type and degree of hearing loss and advice on whether you need to see a physician or can proceed to discuss your hearing options.
This article is provided by Piedmont Ear, Nose and Throat Associates, PA, Winston Salem, NC.