Senior Hearing Loss
Hearing loss particularly affects older Americans and often tends to take place gradually making it harder to notice right away.
If you suffer from age related hearing loss, this condition can sometimes impact your work as well as your home life, so it is important to have all the facts and to understand how you can improve your hearing.
If you suffer from age related hearing loss, this condition can sometimes impact your work as well as your home life, so it is important to have all the facts and to understand how you can improve your hearing.
Ways to Improve your Hearing
- Be aware of your hearing ability - age related hearing loss can happen gradually and the signs are subtle at first. A simple hearing test can help you gain an insight and provide a baseline to monitor over time.
- Try to use other strategies for better hearing and listening as appropriate - Move closer and position yourself so that you are facing the talker; try to ensure tha t the speaker’s face is well lit and you can see it clearly. Watch the speaker’s face, lips, and gestures for clues to what’s being said. Don’t strain to hear every word. People w ith normal hearing miss words and ‘fill in’ from surrounding sentences.
- Consider trying a hearing aid - it’s another myth that hearing instruments are obvious and unattractive. In fact in some cases it can be more obvious that someone needs one than when they are using one! While it’s true that hearing instruments don’t enjoy quite the fashion status of a pair of glasses, new technology has made these devices very discreet. Many people can wear instruments that are either tucked well inside the ear or small behind-the-ear units that can be disguised by hairstyles.
- ALDs (assistive listening device) - If you struggle most in a particular listening situation, find out about an assistive listening device specific for that situation. Examples are amplified mobiles or landlines, TV listeners or even an amplified alarm clock! 5.
- Prevention - Try to prevent any further hearing loss due to noise. Noise induced hearing loss is common, and easily preventable. Regulations are in place for places of employment; but be aware of the impact of loud events such as rock concerts and playing MP3 players at full volume.
For additional information and to find a local hearing services provider click here.
Some of the above content was supplied by HearingDirect.com should you wish more information you can check it out at www.hearingdirect.com/pages/Guide-To-Hearing.html
Unmistakable Signs of Hearing Loss
Information taken from an article by Kristen Sturt From Grandparents.com
Millions of Americans experience some kind of hearing loss. Here's how to spot it. Even if your hearing is perfect now, there’s still a good chance it could decline later in life.
Hearing Loss: What You Need to Know
People with a family history of hearing loss, those who have had chronic ear infections, or those people who have certain inner ear diseases, such as Meniere’s disease, are at a higher risk of losing their hearing,” says NIDCD’s Director Dr. James F. Battey, Jr. “Also, people who are exposed to high levels of noise, through occupational and/or recreational exposure, can be at higher risk of hearing loss.” That includes military veterans, construction workers and people like Johnson, who has endured stadium-level guitar volume for decades.
Certain medical issues exacerbate the condition, like diabetes and high blood pressure. It’s been linked to dementia, as well; one 2011 study found that even minor hearing loss contributed to cognitive decline.
Know the Signs
The good news is that although age-related hearing loss is permanent, it isn’t necessarily untreatable. And if you know what to look for, you can act fast for help.
“Some early signs include difficulty hearing in challenging listening situations, particularly when others seem not to struggle,” says Battey. “For example, if you have trouble hearing in the presence of background noise, at the movies, watching television or during telephone conversations that may be a sign of potential hearing loss.”
Struggling in social settings and frustration at your inability to understand are other telltale signs, but if you’re still not sure, the NIDCD has a handy 10-part questionnaire, “Do You Need a Hearing Test?” that can help you decide whether to see a specialist.
While it’s hard to admit you’re losing your hearing, it’s even harder to tell a loved one she might be losing hers. Broach the topic carefully, with love and concern, and look for the following, says Battey:
To protect against damage, “Use hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs) in noisy environments — concerts, sporting events, lawn mowing among other activities,” says Battey. “And if you can’t avoid very loud environments, use hearing protection.”
Finally, know when it’s time to get your ears checked. Many older adults, either unaware or unwilling to address it, delay seeking a diagnosis for years. By then, they’ve missed out on countless conversations and social events. Visiting an audiologist, otolaryngologist or hearing care center will tell you whether it’s time to look into aid devices.
Millions of Americans experience some kind of hearing loss. Here's how to spot it. Even if your hearing is perfect now, there’s still a good chance it could decline later in life.
Hearing Loss: What You Need to Know
People with a family history of hearing loss, those who have had chronic ear infections, or those people who have certain inner ear diseases, such as Meniere’s disease, are at a higher risk of losing their hearing,” says NIDCD’s Director Dr. James F. Battey, Jr. “Also, people who are exposed to high levels of noise, through occupational and/or recreational exposure, can be at higher risk of hearing loss.” That includes military veterans, construction workers and people like Johnson, who has endured stadium-level guitar volume for decades.
Certain medical issues exacerbate the condition, like diabetes and high blood pressure. It’s been linked to dementia, as well; one 2011 study found that even minor hearing loss contributed to cognitive decline.
Know the Signs
The good news is that although age-related hearing loss is permanent, it isn’t necessarily untreatable. And if you know what to look for, you can act fast for help.
“Some early signs include difficulty hearing in challenging listening situations, particularly when others seem not to struggle,” says Battey. “For example, if you have trouble hearing in the presence of background noise, at the movies, watching television or during telephone conversations that may be a sign of potential hearing loss.”
Struggling in social settings and frustration at your inability to understand are other telltale signs, but if you’re still not sure, the NIDCD has a handy 10-part questionnaire, “Do You Need a Hearing Test?” that can help you decide whether to see a specialist.
While it’s hard to admit you’re losing your hearing, it’s even harder to tell a loved one she might be losing hers. Broach the topic carefully, with love and concern, and look for the following, says Battey:
- “If you notice a family member or friend who is struggling to hear in situations in which others seem not to have difficulty, then that is a potential sign.”
- “If you notice someone needs to turn up the television to a loud level, then that can be another sign.”
- “If someone is asking you to repeat yourself during a conversation that could be another potential sign.”
To protect against damage, “Use hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs) in noisy environments — concerts, sporting events, lawn mowing among other activities,” says Battey. “And if you can’t avoid very loud environments, use hearing protection.”
Finally, know when it’s time to get your ears checked. Many older adults, either unaware or unwilling to address it, delay seeking a diagnosis for years. By then, they’ve missed out on countless conversations and social events. Visiting an audiologist, otolaryngologist or hearing care center will tell you whether it’s time to look into aid devices.
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A guide to modern hearing aids
Research from charity Action on Hearing Loss suggests that one in six of the UK population is living with some form of hearing loss, which equates to more than ten million people. Yet only a small percentage of those affected know they have a problem, and even fewer use hearing aids to correct the issue. For help identifying whether you have a hearing problem, look at this NHS guidance or, better still, book a hearing test with a specialist such as Amplifon.
Unfortunately, there has long been a stigma attached to hearing aids, which puts many people off seeking help. However, the stereotype of the clunky, conspicuous hearing aid no longer rings true, as new technology has made these items much smaller and more discreet. Here we outline the advantages and disadvantages of the various types of hearing aid available.
Behind-the-ear. These hearing aids store the amplifier and battery in a hard case which sits behind the outer ear. It's probably the style of hearing aid you will be most familiar with.
Pros: Cheap, easy to use and maintain, with controls that are easier to manipulate for those with limited dexterity. Able to treat all levels of hearing loss, they are also good for those who find things sitting in their ear canal uncomfortable.
Cons: While behind-the-ear aids are smaller than they used to be, they are still the most conspicuous type of hearing aid and this makes some people self-conscious.
In-the-ear. In-the-ear hearing aids sit in the open part of the outer ear, much like noise-reducing earplugs do. They are moulded to fit the individual.
Pros: Moulded to the shape of the individual's ear for comfort, accessible controls, less conspicuous than behind-the-ear models.
Cons: The smaller controls are too fiddly for some, while others don't like the feeling of having their outer ear blocked in such a way. They are also more expensive than behind-the-ear devices and are not available on the NHS.
In-the-canal. This is where advances in modern technology have really moved hearing aids along. In-the-ear devices sit in the ear canal and are therefore more or less invisible to others.
Pros: Small and discreet, their position makes them near-invisible to other people.
Cons: Because they are so small, they currently only produce the amplification capacity to treat mild to moderate hearing loss. They are also expensive and require more maintenance than other hearing aids, while some people find them very uncomfortable. In addition, some individuals with small ear canals may be unable to use in-the-ear devices.
Whatever style you think may benefit your hearing loss, it is always wise to visit a specialist and try out the different kinds before making a decision - you might find some of your preconceived concerns about these devices are not actually problems at all.
Hearing loss is usually the most prevalent in the elderly, however many people actually first start to notice a small difference in their hearing earlier in life.
Many notice the difference as they age and there are ways to detect hearing loss early on.
Although no one really wants to acknowledge that they are losing their hearing, it is worth trying to detect these signs early to help come to terms with hearing loss and also to manage it.
The 'Science of Hearing' infographic below helps to highlight these key issues. The graphic "looks at" the science behind hearing and also what can be done to better detect the signs of hearing loss.
Infographic provided by Hidden Hearing
Unfortunately, there has long been a stigma attached to hearing aids, which puts many people off seeking help. However, the stereotype of the clunky, conspicuous hearing aid no longer rings true, as new technology has made these items much smaller and more discreet. Here we outline the advantages and disadvantages of the various types of hearing aid available.
Behind-the-ear. These hearing aids store the amplifier and battery in a hard case which sits behind the outer ear. It's probably the style of hearing aid you will be most familiar with.
Pros: Cheap, easy to use and maintain, with controls that are easier to manipulate for those with limited dexterity. Able to treat all levels of hearing loss, they are also good for those who find things sitting in their ear canal uncomfortable.
Cons: While behind-the-ear aids are smaller than they used to be, they are still the most conspicuous type of hearing aid and this makes some people self-conscious.
In-the-ear. In-the-ear hearing aids sit in the open part of the outer ear, much like noise-reducing earplugs do. They are moulded to fit the individual.
Pros: Moulded to the shape of the individual's ear for comfort, accessible controls, less conspicuous than behind-the-ear models.
Cons: The smaller controls are too fiddly for some, while others don't like the feeling of having their outer ear blocked in such a way. They are also more expensive than behind-the-ear devices and are not available on the NHS.
In-the-canal. This is where advances in modern technology have really moved hearing aids along. In-the-ear devices sit in the ear canal and are therefore more or less invisible to others.
Pros: Small and discreet, their position makes them near-invisible to other people.
Cons: Because they are so small, they currently only produce the amplification capacity to treat mild to moderate hearing loss. They are also expensive and require more maintenance than other hearing aids, while some people find them very uncomfortable. In addition, some individuals with small ear canals may be unable to use in-the-ear devices.
Whatever style you think may benefit your hearing loss, it is always wise to visit a specialist and try out the different kinds before making a decision - you might find some of your preconceived concerns about these devices are not actually problems at all.
Hearing loss is usually the most prevalent in the elderly, however many people actually first start to notice a small difference in their hearing earlier in life.
Many notice the difference as they age and there are ways to detect hearing loss early on.
Although no one really wants to acknowledge that they are losing their hearing, it is worth trying to detect these signs early to help come to terms with hearing loss and also to manage it.
The 'Science of Hearing' infographic below helps to highlight these key issues. The graphic "looks at" the science behind hearing and also what can be done to better detect the signs of hearing loss.
Infographic provided by Hidden Hearing
