Why do senior citizens ignore their hearing loss?
BY READERS DIGEST
1st Jan 2015 Health Conditions
Research suggests that approximately a quarter of those aged between 65 and 75 and up to half of over-75s suffer with a hearing loss. Many go for an average of 10 years before seeking help. We put the excuses to bed, and find out why treating hearing loss sooner has fantastic benefits.
“It’s just a part of getting older”
It’s all too true that hearing loss comes with age but that’s no reason to put off having a hearing test!
Hearing tests are free, last no longer than an hour and could mean you find a solution to your hearing loss.
“A hearing aid won’t help – it’ll just make everything noisier!”
The hearing aids used in previous decades used to amplify all sounds the microphone picked up, including background noise. This would make it difficult to distinguish the sounds you wanted to hear, such as conversations.
Nowadays, hearing aid technology has progressed passed simple amplification. With directional microphones and the latest hearing technology, hearing aids can reduce background noise and enable you to localise sounds, meaning you hear the sounds you want to hear clearer than ever before!
“Hearing aids are too big and I don’t want to wear one!”
Modern hearing aids
Hearings aids used to be big and beige, but recent developments means that they are smaller and more discreet than ever before.
Invisible-in-canal hearing aids are now available, they fit completely in the ear and are virtually invisible (depending on the anatomy of the ear).
The more traditional design, behind-the-ear, is also smaller than its predecessors. As well as these particular hearing aids being small, discreet and comfortable, they are now more powerful than ever and provide greater clarity of speech.
“I don’t want anyone to know about my hearing loss”
It’s not uncommon for your loved ones to notice your hearing loss first. When it comes to age-related hearing loss, the loss develops gradually so it can be hard for you to notice, which is why it's usually those around you who suspect the loss first.
Whether the signs are turning the TV up louder than before, or not participating in group conversations because the background noise is too loud, the chances are your hearing loss may have been noticed already.
Getting your hearing tested and getting access to the solutions available means you can join in the conversation again.
“It’s not bothering anyone else—why should I worry?”
There is research to suggest that a loss of hearing can have an impact on your friends or loved ones. But if your family keep telling you to turn the TV volume down, get frustrated when you ask them to repeat themselves, or laugh when you mishear something they’ve said, there is a solution available.
Getting your hearing loss treated as soon as you notice a problem can have a positive impact on your life, with benefits including:
- Stronger relationships with loved ones
- Improved mental wellbeing
- Increase participation in social activities
