Hearing in Older Age: Essential for Quality of Life and Health of Our Loved Ones
International Senior Citizens Month is celebrated this month, presenting an excellent opportunity to focus on the important issue of hearing among the elderly population. What are the signs of hearing loss, how to address worsening hearing in a loved one, and what solution could improve their lives?
(Photo: shutterstock)According to the World Health Organization, more than 25% of people over the age of 60 have hearing impairments, with the prevalence rising to 46% by age 80. As the global population ages, the number of people experiencing hearing problems grows. By 2050, the World Health Organization anticipates that 700 million individuals worldwide will live with hearing loss, severely limiting them.
A recent survey by Med-El, a company that provides cochlear implant solutions, asked seniors what they would miss most if they lost their hearing. The top response was "conversations with loved ones." Hearing is crucial for daily life, offering moments of joy that seniors can cherish, such as hearing the voices of loved ones, engaging in interesting conversations, and enjoying music. Additionally, research has shown that hearing keeps cognitive abilities sharp, enhances short-term memory, and improves reaction times. Moreover, untreated hearing loss is the number one modifiable risk factor for dementia.
What Causes Hearing Loss in Seniors?
Age-related hearing loss is usually caused by progressive hearing difficulties in the inner ear, often as an inevitable part of aging. Other age-related conditions such as cardiovascular issues, diabetes, high blood pressure, and arteriosclerosis also affect hearing. Exposure to loud noise over a lifetime, such as from traffic, machinery, or loud music, has a detrimental impact on hearing.
Often, hearing loss is first noticed by family members or friends when it is already relatively advanced. The progression is so gradual that individuals compensate without realizing it, adapting to their changing hearing. People get used to living with worsening hearing: when it becomes "normal," it impacts their self-esteem and perception of their new condition.
Typical Signs of Hearing Loss in Adults Include:
- Increasing the volume of daily sound sources like radio, videos, or music systems.
- Asking others to repeat themselves.
- Difficulty conducting phone conversations.
- Intentionally avoiding group discussions due to difficulty following conversations with background noise.
The Importance of Treatment
Numerous studies suggest that those with hearing loss prefer to avoid situations where they must deal with their impairment rather than seek treatment. They fear social rejection, but it was found that people living with untreated hearing loss experience more social stigma than those using hearing aids. In fact, hearing loss can be better managed with early identification and rehabilitation. Among other factors, the length of time a person lives with hearing loss is crucial for the success of a hearing implant. When there are clearer memories of speech and sound, it is easier for the brain to relearn how to hear and understand them again.
