Hearing Loss Signs, Impact and Solutions
Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions among older adults, affecting 1 in 3 people over the age of 65. Since it is usually gradual, it can often go undetected and significantly impact a person’s well-being. Discussing concerns with a medical professional is an important first step in identifying solutions.Â
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Signs of Hearing Loss
Asking people to repeat what they are saying
Thinking that others are mumbling
Trouble hearing while using the telephone
Difficulty hearing when there is background noiseÂ
Difficulty following conversations when two or more people are talking
Understanding male voices more than those of women or children
Increasing the volume of the TV to the point where others complain
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Screening for Hearing Loss
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends screening by an audiologist every 3 years after age 50, or more frequently for those with known exposures or risk factors.Â
Audiologists can assist in preventing, diagnosing, and treating hearing disorders and can prescribe and fit the appropriate hearing aid for an individual. Find an Audiologist
Self-administered tests, like  hearWHO or Mimi, also screen an individual's hearing but cannot identify the cause of hearing loss
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Impacts of Hearing Loss
The impacts of hearing loss are profound and go beyond missing out on what is being said.
Isolation - some people feel anxious about mishearing others or misunderstanding what is being said or choose not to ask someone to repeat themselves. As a result, they may limit social interactions with others.Â
Cognition - processing sounds assists in keeping the brain active. Hearing loss can lead to declines in cognition and difficulty in thinking and concentrating. Hearing aids can reduce the rate of cognitive decline.Â
Balance - hearing loss can also affect balance leading to increased falls and decreased physical activity.Â
Emotional Well-Being - frustration, anger, depression, shame, and lack of confidence are all emotions that may result from hearing loss.
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Hearing Aids and Assistive Devices
Hearing aids and assistive devices can have a significant impact on people’s quality of life. Medicare does not cover hearing aids. However, the VA provides coverage for hearing aids, batteries, accessories, and repairs, and Medicaid covers the cost of hearing aids and some assistive technology.
Over-the-counter hearing aids are suited for people with mild to moderate hearing loss and are generally self-fitted, while audiologist-prescribed aids are tailored to the individual and include fitting and adjustments. Airpods Pro 2 have been approved by the FDA and will soon be available as hearing aids.Â
Hearing amplifiers increase all sounds regardless of frequency and are different from hearing aids. Â
Devices for watching TV, including Bluetooth connections to hearing aids, help keep the TV volume down.
Amplified or captioned phones improve communication access and may be available for free.
Alerting or notification systems can be installed in the home to improve safety.
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Communicating with Someone with Hearing Loss
Try to speak in a well-lit quiet place without background noise
Speak directly to the person and maintain eye contact
Speak at a volume slightly higher than normal but do not yellÂ
Speak a little slower than usual