According to the National Council on Aging, one in three adults in the US ages 65-74 have hearing loss. The number rises to nearly 50% in adults 75 and older.
The issue affects all seniors, whether they're living alone or in an assisted living community in Marietta, GA. It affects their quality of life and can even lead to cognitive decline.
A certain level of hearing loss is inevitable, but there is a way to fight it. Knowing what to look for helps get treatment started early.
Read on to learn the early signs of hearing loss in seniors and what to do when they appear.
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is a common problem for many seniors, including those in assisted living communities.
It has various causes, such as:
Regardless of the cause, there are common signs to look for. Knowing them is essential for early detection.
Struggling with certain sounds can be one of the first signs of hearing loss. The inner ear is typically the first part to be affected.
It makes high-pitched noises difficult to hear. Seniors may struggle to understand the voices of children or women. Even the sounds of birds or a microwave beep may go unnoticed.
It can also be difficult for seniors to distinguish between certain high-pitched consonants, such as "s" and "th" sounds or "f" and "s" sounds.
Seniors may frequently ask others to repeat themselves. They'll perceive speech as muffled or unclear.
The problem only gets worse in noisy environments. It becomes difficult to tune out distracting background noises and understand a conversation.
Conversations aren't the only instances where seniors struggle to hear.
They may turn their TV or radio up much higher than usual. They may even get complaints from their family or friends about the excessive volume levels.
Hearing loss can cause subtle behavioral changes that gradually worsen. One of the first signs seniors may exhibit is a tendency to try to read their friend's or family's lips instead of maintaining eye contact.
When they do go out, they can feel exhausted. They have to put so much effort into understanding conversations.
Hearing loss can cause seniors to avoid social situations altogether. They may skip the activities offered in an assisted living community. They may stop speaking to family or friends the way they did before.
Hearing loss can cause the ears to feel full of wax or fluid, even when clear. It may be blamed as the reason why sounds are muffled.
Ringing in the ears is also possible. It's important to distinguish whether this is caused by a condition known as tinnitus. It causes a similar unpleasant ringing sensation.
Balance issues are the least-known but most important early signs of hearing loss.
The ears are essential for maintaining balance. Any sort of damage can lead to unsteadiness and an increased risk of falling.
Recognizing hearing loss is essential, but seniors shouldn't treat it as inevitable. You can take steps to preserve as much of your hearing as possible.
Avoid repetitive exposure to loud sounds. Use protective devices such as headphones when you are in noisy areas.
Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes. Smoking is also a major contributor to hearing decline, so work to quit if you haven't already.
Getting regular hearing tests helps catch the early signs of hearing loss. If you experience one or more of them regularly, seek professional treatment.
Minor hearing issues can occur at any time, whether due to loud noises or a respiratory infection. When they happen often and don't go away, seek audiology care.
It improves quality of life and prevents isolation. Seniors with hearing loss are also at higher risk for falls.
Audiologist Madeline Campbell says the risk of cognitive decline is five times greater in seniors with hearing loss than in those without it. It increases the speed at which conditions such as dementia develop.
At that point, assisted living communities may be unable to provide the right care. Seniors may eventually need different senior living options, such as memory care in Marietta, GA.
An audiologist can perform a test to determine how much hearing loss has occurred. They'll be able to rule out other conditions as well, such as an ear infection.
If the damage is significant enough, the audiologist can help you get the correct device to combat it. They'll perform a hearing aid assessment to find the right assisted device.
You may need a more powerful option, such as a cochlear implant. Those with severe hearing loss may benefit from speech reading or sign language.
Assistance devices won't fix all communication issues, but there are ways to make communicating while dealing with age-related hearing issues easier.
Minimize background noise. Turn off the TV or radio so it doesn't interfere.
Both sides of the conversation should maintain eye contact. It's easier for seniors to understand a conversation when they can see expressions.
Loved ones shouldn't shout but should speak differently than normal. Their voice should be loud, slow, and clear.
Use other cues when these strategies don't work. Try facial or hand gestures or even writing notes.
Early signs of hearing loss in seniors include difficulties with certain sounds, behavioral changes, clogged ears, and balance issues. Get tested if you notice them because hearing problems can also impact your overall quality of life.
Greenwood Place Assisted Living & Memory Care is situated right in the best areas of Marietta. We offer daily care personalized to each resident.
Both our memory care and assisted living community in Marietta, GA, encourage pets. We also offer a full calendar of activities. Schedule a tour today.