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.
This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with
any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.
MorningStar at Bear Creek
brings a unique vision to senior
living with our mission statement “to honor, to
serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors
and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a
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schedule a tour to see firsthand the best assisted living for dementia
residents in Colorado Springs.
Sources: aihhp.org/your-hearing/routine-hearing-checks-how-often/
nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-older-adults
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