Hearing loss is a common concern affecting many older adults. Hearing aids can be a great help, but typically, there is a delay between noticing hearing loss and taking action. Hearing loss often occurs gradually, so the individual may not be fully aware of the degree of their hearing loss. Still, the earlier a person addresses their hearing loss, the more likely they are to have a positive outcome. Hearing loss has been linked to a number of mental and physical health, social, and functional problems, so treating it early can help an affected individual avoid a lot of difficulty and dysfunction. But how does someone know when it’s time to get their hearing tested and when it’s time for hearing aids? Read on to find out more.
Worrisome hearing symptoms
Significant hearing loss is common among Americans and woefully undertreated. Data compiled by the U.S. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders show that about 15% of Americans aged 18 and over have hearing difficulties. However, more than 70% of people 70 and over with hearing loss have never used hearing aids, and over 84% of people aged 20 to 69 who could benefit from hearing aids have never used them. Research has found that one of the main reasons people don’t address their hearing loss is that they don’t recognize their diminishing hearing. This delays their treatment and puts them at risk for the many problems associated with untreated hearing loss.
Recognizing the symptoms of hearing loss can help a person to take action sooner. Let’s look at some of the symptoms that may indicate a significant hearing problem:
- Watching people’s faces and lips more closely when they’re speaking.
- Difficulty in understanding people with higher-pitched voices, such as women or children. (Hearing loss often begins at higher pitches.)
- Asking people to repeat themselves.
- Experiencing people’s speech as muffled and difficult to follow.
- “Remote-control battles,” where the individual constantly turns up the volume while others find it too loud.
- Background noise becoming bothersome or making it difficult to hear.
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
- Being annoyed at oneself or others because they’re difficult to understand.
- Feeling stressed, embarrassed, or nervous because others are difficult to understand.
- Avoiding social situations out of fear of not understanding conversation.
Generally, if someone suspects their hearing is waning, or if they suspect it in a loved one, they are probably correct. It may be something simple and easily fixed, like wax buildup in the ears, or it may indicate a serious hearing problem. If hearing loss is suspected, it is time to get it checked.
When should hearing be checked?
Anyone experiencing the above symptoms should have their hearing checked. Additionally, the American Geriatrics Society suggests hearing screening for all adults aged 65 years and older, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services mandates hearing screening during annual Medicare wellness visits. This screening may be as simple as the clinician asking the individual about their hearing, having them complete a questionnaire, or testing their ability to hear quiet sounds.
If the clinician suspects hearing loss, the next step is to refer the patient to an audiologist for a pure-tone audiogram. This hearing test involves sitting in a soundproof booth and listening through headphones for sounds at a variety of volumes and frequencies.
Hearing testing is not only for older people. People of any age who suspect hearing loss or who have risk factors for hearing loss (such as exposure to loud noises or a family history of hearing problems) should consider getting their hearing tested.
Anyone who suspects hearing loss can make an appointment with an audiologist for pure-tone testing. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association provides an online resource for finding a certified audiologist near you.
When is it time for hearing aids?
Deciding when it is time to get hearing aids can be difficult, but earlier treatment of hearing loss can improve your quality of life, both physically and mentally. If hearing loss of any level is having an impact on your life and relationships, you should consider hearing aids. Earlier intervention leads to more positive outcomes.
Current practice in the U.S. is to offer hearing aids to individuals with even mild hearing loss. Hearing aids take some time and practice to get used to, so the emphasis is on getting the person wearing the right hearing aids and comfortable with using them before they develop problems with communication, experience diminished ability to detect warning sounds in the environment, or have difficulty appreciating music and other forms of entertainment.
Why to seek treatment of hearing loss with hearing aids
The consequences of hearing loss can be far-reaching. Untreated hearing loss has been associated with a number of social and mental health struggles related to difficulties understanding and participating in conversation, such as social withdrawal, loneliness, lower satisfaction with relationships, and a more than doubled risk of depression.
Untreated hearing loss has also been associated with chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. Mild untreated hearing loss doubles an individual’s risk of developing dementia, moderate hearing loss triples the risk, and severe hearing loss increases the risk by a factor of 5.
Untreated hearing loss has also been linked to increased fatigue, lower productivity, and reduced opportunities for employment and education.
Researchers found that early diagnosis of hearing loss and prompt use of hearing aids have a significant positive impact on health and functionality. Other studies have linked hearing aid use to improved health, social functioning, and quality of life, even in people with mild hearing loss.
Hearing aids can improve your quality of life
Hearing loss is common in the U.S., and the consequences of even mild untreated hearing loss can be costly. The earlier hearing loss is identified and treated with hearing aids, the more likely the person is to have a positive outcome. Research has identified a reluctance among Americans to have their hearing difficulties treated. However, taking a more proactive approach to recognizing hearing loss in themselves or a loved one, getting tested, and considering hearing aids is wise and responsible.
