Experts highlight the subtle indicators of hearing loss in older individuals and the importance of timely intervention.
The Subtle Onset and Risks of Hearing Loss
Hearing health requires constant vigilance because it can get worse day by day, almost without the sufferer or those around them noticing. In this respect, it is like the famous analogy of a frog being placed in a warm pan of water and the heat being slowly increased until it is boiled almost without feeling anything.
For hearing, this effect is especially true for older people, whose auditory decline might also be lost among other ailments.
Recognizing the Signs of Hearing Loss
Dr Angela Peng, an otolaryngologist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, has identified several indicators of potential hearing loss that families and friends should be aware of. Among the signs are a noticeable disengagement during conversations, a tendency to isolate oneself from group discussions, and a reluctance to participate in loud environments, where multiple voices and background noise can make it difficult to hear.
Peng notes that these behaviours are particularly common among older people, as hearing tends to decline with age. In social settings, individuals with hearing loss may struggle to follow conversations, leading to social withdrawal or frustration. To address concerns about a loved one's hearing, Peng suggests approaching the subject gently and encouraging them to visit an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for an assessment.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Audiologists conduct various hearing tests to determine a person’s ability to hear sounds and differentiate between words. Should the tests reveal difficulties, a referral to a specialist may be necessary to investigate any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to the hearing issues.
Peng emphasises that solutions for hearing loss are readily available. “Hearing aids are appropriate for the first signs of hearing loss, but if the hearing worsens, we might consider a cochlear implant, which requires surgery,” she said.
In addition to the technological aids available, Peng offers practical communication strategies for engaging with individuals experiencing hearing difficulties. Speaking more slowly and enunciating words can also improve clarity, as no amount of volume increase will assist if the individual struggles to understand the words being spoken. In busy gatherings, moving conversations to quieter areas can reduce background noise interference.
The Importance of Regular Ear Care
The importance of regular ear check-ups and cleaning by regulated hearing professionals cannot be overstated. With the potential risks associated with improper ear wax removal, techniques such as microsuction are recommended by specialists for their effectiveness and safety. Micro-suction allows for the careful removal of earwax without risking injury to the ear canal, offering a safer alternative to traditional syringing procedures.
The Broader Impact of Untreated Hearing Loss
“As audiologists, we see the detrimental impact of untreated hearing loss daily,” said Kaye Stiemer, a Clinical Audiologist at Hearology®. “The truth is, we all play a vital role in identifying hearing difficulties, especially in more mature adults. Untreated hearing loss, at best, isolates individuals, diminishing their quality of life and connection to their loved ones as well as the world around them. This can lead to depression and anxiety. At worst, it can accelerate cognitive decline associated with reduced stimulation of the auditory nerve, leaving the individual more at risk of developing serious conditions such as Dementia and Alzheimer's. We have a collective responsibility to listen, observe and encourage those we value to seek professional hearing care.”
References
- Hopkinsmedicine - Supports the claim that hearing loss is common among seniors and affects the ability to hear high-pitched sounds and understand conversations in noisy environments.
- Consumers, patients and seniors hearing loss - Corroborates the prevalence of age-related hearing loss and its impact on understanding speech in background noise.
- Quality Indicators for the Management of Hearing Loss in Vulnerable Elder Persons - Discusses the prevalence of hearing loss among the elderly and the importance of screening, supporting the need for regular ear check-ups.
- Healthline hearing loss - Provides general information on hearing loss, including causes and treatments, which supports the article's discussion on hearing health.
- Mayo Clinic Hearing loss symptoms - Offers detailed information on hearing loss symptoms and causes, aligning with the article's emphasis on recognizing signs of hearing loss.
- Age-related hearing loss - Provides comprehensive information on age-related hearing loss, supporting the article's discussion on this topic.
