May is Better Hearing Month: What Every Family Should Know

Hearing loss is more common than many realize, affecting one in three people over the age of 60 and one in two over the age of 85. While many associate it with the inconvenience of asking others to repeat themselves, untreated hearing loss can have serious consequences for overall health and well-being.

What is Age-Related Hearing Loss?

Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is a gradual decline in hearing ability, especially related to high-pitched sounds. It typically results from natural changes in the inner ear and auditory nerve as we age, and since this type of hearing loss progresses slowly, many people don’t notice it right away.

Recognizing the Signs

Early detection is key to minimizing the impact of hearing loss. Here are some common signs to watch for:

Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
Thinking people are mumbling
Experiencing difficulty hearing telephone conversations
Trouble following conversations in noisy environments
Having difficulty understanding group discussions
Hearing men’s voices more clearly than women’s or children’s
Increasing the TV volume to levels that others find too loud

The Wider Impact of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss doesn’t just affect the ears—it can impact many aspects of daily life:

Social Isolation – Misunderstanding conversations can lead to embarrassment or frustration, causing some people to withdraw from social interactions altogether.

Cognitive Decline – Research shows that up to 8% of dementia cases are linked to hearing loss. The process of hearing engages the brain, helping it remain active and alert, thereby reducing cognitive decline.

Balance and Physical Health – Hearing plays a role in maintaining balance. Older adults with hearing loss have a 47% higher rate of hospitalization over 10 years, often due to falls and reduced physical activity.

Emotional Well-Being – Feelings of anxiety, depression, frustration, and reduced self-confidence are common emotional effects of hearing loss.

Getting a Diagnosis

If you or someone you love is showing signs of hearing loss, the first step is a professional evaluation. An audiologist can perform an audiogram, where tones are played through headphones to assess which frequencies are difficult to hear.

While online hearing tests can offer a quick preliminary assessment, they should never replace a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed professional.

Exploring Hearing Aids and Assistive Devices

The good news? Hearing aid technology has come a long way. Today’s devices are smaller, more comfortable, and available in a wide range of styles, colors, and price points.

Coverage: Medicare covers hearing exams with a physician’s referral, though it does not cover the actual hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid, the VA, and certain private insurers may help cover the cost.
Over-the-Counter Options: These are typically designed for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss and are self-fitted.
Professional Fittings: For more complex needs, audiologist-prescribed hearing aids include custom fitting, adjustments, and ongoing support.
Additional Tools: Assistive devices such as amplified telephones, TV listening systems, and speech-to-text apps can further enhance communication.

Tips for Communicating with Someone with Hearing Loss

Small adjustments can make a big difference when talking with someone who has difficulty hearing.

Choose quiet, well-lit spaces
Face the person directly and maintain eye contact
Speak slightly louder than usual, but avoid yelling
Slow your speech just a little bit to improve clarity

Need More Help?

If you’re seeking more information about hearing loss or other resources for family caregivers, contact Mellie. We’re here to connect you with resources, tools, and guidance to improve communication and quality of life for yourself and your loved ones.