Hearing loss has long been associated with the aging process. Understandably so as it is estimated one in three adults over 65 has age-related hearing loss. Age-related hearing loss is typically caused by changes in the inner ear, middle ear or along the nerve pathways to the brain. Other causes of age-related hearing loss can be continuous exposure to loud noise, inherited factors, health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, and potential side effects of some medications.
The symptoms of age-related hearing loss
If you think you may be experiencing age-related hearing loss but are a little unsure here are some common symptoms to be aware of:
- Speech of others is mumbled or slurred
- High-pitched sounds, such as ‘s’ or ‘th’ are hard to differentiate.
- Men’s voices are easier to hear than female voices
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), this could be in one or both ears
- Conversations are difficult to understand, especially if there is background noise.
- Some sounds appear overly loud
Although age-related hearing loss is very common it is important to remember that hearing loss can occur at any age.
If you believe you are suffering from hearing loss, it is important you do not overlook it and leave it untreated, as untreated hearing loss can have a detrimental impact on your mental and physical health. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to depression and anxiety as people often withdraw from social activities or the wider society. Hearing loss can also give rise to increased irritability and frustration having a negative impact on your quality of life.
You can have your hearing checked by simply making an appointment with a hearing specialist, such as an audiologist, who will conduct several tests to assess the level of hearing loss, if any, you may have. If you diagnosed with have hearing loss, they will then be able to guide you on the appropriate treatment plan to help restore your hearing. Commonly this can be done by way of a hearing aid.
The benefits of having a hearing aid can be life-changing, they can improve your quality of life and keep you looking and feeling youthful. Here are some of the benefits of hearing aids and how they can help reduce the signs of aging.
Benefits of Hearing Aids
- Having a hearing aid can make you more likely to engage in social activities. Socializing and being with others can leave you feeling happier and younger and you are more likely to partake in the activities you enjoy. Those who use hearing aids are more likely to remain socially active when they use their devices.
- Hearing aids can reduce the likelihood of depression. Research has long linked hearing loss to feelings of sadness, loneliness, isolation, and anxiety, all of which are commonly associated with depression. Wearing a hearing aid reduces these feelings considerably and hearing aid wearers are also less likely to feel as though people are angry with them or trying to avoid them. The obvious outcome is increased happiness and less depression.
- Less likely to suffer mental decline. Research has also linked cognitive decline with hearing loss, further age is commonly associated with cognitive decline. By wearing a hearing aid not only are you reducing the potential for cognitive decline it will help you to maintain your happy and more youthful disposition.
- Reduce your risk of falling. Falling is a real concern for those who suffer hearing loss as it can affect your balance and awareness of dangers. Again, falling is associated with the aging process and can of course cause serious injury and result in hospitalization. Hearing aids can help to improve your balance, risk of injury and of course perception of age. All of this will also have a huge effect on your confidence.
- Hearing aids can help you get back what you have lost. Whatever sounds you used to enjoy but can no longer hear will come back. It could be music, outings, conversation with friends and family, nature, laughter. Whatever it is that helped keep you happy and youthful will become part of your life once again.
If you think you may be experiencing hearing loss then start by getting in touch with an audiologist to make an appointment to have your hearing assessed. Many centers such as The Hearing Center will offer a wide variety of services to diagnose your hearing and provide you with a suitable and potentially life-changing treatment plan. If you want to find out more about the services available to help you, what to expect and potential solutions to your hearing loss call The Hearing Center at York ENT at (717) 850-9269.
