The Association of Independent Hearing
Healthcare Professionals (AIHHP) recommends that seniors age 60 and older get a
hearing test every two years and warn that hearing loss is difficult to detect
without a professional assessment. Additionally the National Institute on
Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) explains that hearing loss
is one of the most common conditions affecting elderly adults. Their statistics show, “Approximately one in
three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss and nearly half of
those older than 75 have difficulty hearing.”
If you suspect that you are
experiencing hearing loss, the NIDCD recommends that you start by talking to
your health care provider. He or she may
refer you to an otolaryngologist who will attempt to diagnose why you are
experiencing hearing loss. From there
you may be sent to an audiologist to be fitted for a hearing aid. Hearing aids are primarily used for hearing
loss from damage to the small sensory cells in the inner ear, known as hair
cells, and referred to as sensorineural hearing loss.
Hearing loss may be caused by disease
or injury, loud noises, or aging, which is known as Presbycusis and hearing
aids are just one course of treatment.
In the case of severe hearing loss a small electronic device known as a
cochlear implant is surgically implanted in the inner ear. Other solutions include amplifying devices
and closed circuit systems.
The NIDCD advises that having trouble
hearing can make it difficult to understand and follow a doctor's advice, to
respond to warnings, and to hear doorbells and alarms. In addition loss of hearing can make it
difficult to join in conversations with family and friends. The NIDCD’s website has a helpful checklist
to help you determine if it is time to consult your doctor regarding your
hearing.
Our post is only for information
purpose. If you have any medical
problems, please seek the medical advice of your health care provider.
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Sources:
aihhp.org/your-hearing/routine-hearing-checks-how-often/
nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pages/older.aspx
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