Taking Care of Our Hearing As We Age

A change in one’s own hearing is often not easily recognized.   Age-induced hearing loss often comes on very gradually and its effects are sometimes not immediately obvious.   Oftentimes a spouse, son or daughter or friend may be the first to recognize that there may be a problem.  Still, it’s hard to believe
it’s happening to you. 

If you or your loved one is over 65 and seeing a physician
for an annual physical, it’s a good time to ask about a hearing screening.  People with hearing loss often do fairly well in face-to-face, quiet listening situations. 
For this reason, signs of hearing loss may not be obvious to your
physician during an office visit.    It is up to you to be alert to the signs and
inform your physician if you suspect your hearing may be changing.   Some physicians have the capability to perform a hearing screening right in their office, but most do not.  In fact research shows, over 40% of persons 65
and older have hearing loss, yet only about 16% of the physicians routinely
screen for it.    

Here are some of the questions you can ask yourself :

• Do people seem to mumble or speak softer than
  they used to?
• Are you withdrawing from conversations?
• Do you feel frustrated trying to communicate in
  group situations, especially with background noise present?
• Are you turning up the TV or radio louder than
  you used to?
• Is your family playing interpreter?  Are they getting annoyed?

If you do not pass your hearing screening, or have answered
yes to one or more of the above points, a comprehensive hearing evaluation by
an audiologist should be your next step. Negative effects of untreated hearing
loss include stress, social isolation, depression, and reduced quality of life.

In addition, studies have shown that hearing loss which is highly
prevalent in older adults has been associated with dementia, falls, and poor
cognitive function.

Fortunately, there are many ways audiologists can help people with hearing loss.  Your visit may include a hearing evaluation and a listening experience with hearing
devices.  Here are just a few of the many benefits that you may receive from seeking the help you need:

• The ability to actively engage in group
  conversations with friends and family without needing frequent repetitions.
• The enjoyment of TV listening that is at a
  comfortable level for those around you.
• Improvement of hearing while using the telephone.
• The joy of hearing and understanding the soft
  voices of your grandchildren.
• The pleasure of hearing the birds singing and
  the rustle of leaves during your walks in the park.

Doing something to address your hearing loss can change your
life for the better.  Your sense of hearing is a vital link to your world. 

Kathryn Pardue, M. A., CCC-A

Clinical Audiologist at Loyola University Center for Health at Burr Ridge.