Understanding Age-Related Hearing Loss In Seniors

Hearing loss is a common condition caused by noise, aging, disease, and genes. Conversations with friends and family may be difficult for those with hearing loss. They may also have difficulty comprehending a doctor’s advice, responding to warnings, and hearing doorbells and sirens. One in every three adults between the ages of 65 and 74 suffers from hearing loss, and nearly half among those over 75 have difficulty hearing.

This article will help you in understanding age-related hearing loss in seniors.

About Age-Related Hearing Loss

Age-related hearing loss (or presbycusis) is characterized by a progressive loss of hearing in both ears. Presbycusis is a common aging-related issue that affects one out of every three individuals over the age of 65. Some individuals are first unaware of the subtle changes in their hearing. The capacity to hear high-pitched noises, such as a phone ringing or a microwave whirring, is the most commonly impacted. Hearing low-pitched noises, on the other hand, is typically unaffected.

Symptoms of Age-Related Hearing Loss

The most prevalent symptoms of age-related hearing loss are as follows:

• Others’ speech sounds muffled or slurred.
• High-pitched sounds like “s” and “th” are difficult to identify.
• Conversations are difficult to follow, especially when there is background noise.>
• Men’s voices are more easily heard than women’s.
• Some noises appear to be excessively loud and irritating.
• Tinnitus (ear ringing) can develop in one or both ears.

The symptoms of age-related hearing loss may resemble those of other conditions or medical issues. For a diagnosis, always visit your health care practitioner.

Diagnosis of Age-Related Hearing Loss

Your loved one’s healthcare professional will use an otoscope, which is a lighted scope, to examine the outer ear canal and the eardrum. They will examine the eardrum for injury, ear canal blockage from foreign items or impacted ear wax, irritation, or infection.

Your loved one may be referred to a hearing expert, or audiologist, for an audiogram. An audiogram is a test in which sounds are delivered through headphones to one ear at a time. They will be asked to answer if they can hear each sound. If your loved one is unable to hear specific tones, it indicates that they have some degree of hearing loss. If the hearing loss is severe enough, they may require some form of hearing aid.

Preventing Age-Related Hearing Loss

The most essential thing your loved one can do to avoid age-related hearing loss is to safeguard their hearing.

• Avoid loud noises and limit your noise exposure
• Purchase noise-canceling equipment such as special fluid-filled ear muffs or earplugs (to prevent further hearing damage)

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Seaton Chesterfield is the retirement community that fellow residents have grown to trust since 2007 for unrivaled care and exceptional living standards.

Here at Seaton Chesterfield, the right blend of excellent care, amenities and lifestyle programming, and individualized service creates a senior living experience unlike any other. We offer two senior living options that are ideal for people who wish to benefit from 24-hour care and service as well as lead a worry-free lifestyle that relieves the inconveniences of homeownership.

If you want to learn more about Seaton Chesterfield, please get in touch with us right away!