According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, hearing loss affects one in three U.S. adults between 65 and 74 and almost half of adults 75 and older. Chronic exposure to loud noises, changes in the auditory system, and medical conditions are just some factors that may contribute to age-related hearing loss.
The good news is that not all cases of senior auditory decline are permanent. Some are still treatable, in which case the goal is to prevent the signs of hearing loss from worsening or causing more problems.
To that end, the caring team behind TerraBella Summerville, our senior living community in Summerville, SC, put together this guide. Read on to learn more about hearing impairment symptoms and the crucial roles that early detection of hearing loss plays.
Signs of hearing loss in older adults can manifest in many ways, including:
Let's explore each one in more detail.
Hearing loss impairs the ears' ability to pick up sounds, resulting in the following symptoms:
Older adults with hearing loss may also notice that they keep raising the volume of their TV or radio. They may only realize this when others tell them or complain about their devices being too loud.
Communicating with others becomes more challenging for people with hearing loss, as they may have difficulty:
If you or an older loved one experiences one or more of the symptoms above, you may have also asked others to:
According to the American Tinnitus Association (ATA), tinnitus is a common physical condition that affects one in ten American adults. It's a symptom of several medical problems, including hearing loss.
People with tinnitus experience noises in their ears without external sources. In other words, only they can hear these sounds, which can be:
In some people, tinnitus doesn't require medical intervention and may improve, even without treatment. However, it may also worsen and become more frequent, especially if it's a symptom of worsening hearing loss. When tinnitus lasts for at least three months, it's what you call "chronic tinnitus."
Unaddressed, chronic tinnitus can worsen and impair a person's ability to:
Some seniors with hearing loss may choose to avoid social events because they may feel:
The problem is socialization is necessary to maintain optimal senior health and wellness. Without this, older adults are more likely to become isolated and experience loneliness.
Older adults with hearing loss may also exhibit symptoms of mental health problems like anxiety and depression. Indeed, according to HelpGuide.org, research shows that hearing loss tends to make people experience more anxiety. Individuals with hearing loss also have increased risks of developing depression.
Anxiety can cause the following symptoms:
As for depression, some of its symptoms include:
Early detection and diagnosis of hearing loss, usually through an audiology consultation, allow for prompt intervention with appropriate treatments and hearing aids. For cases where hearing loss is treatable (e.g., conductive hearing loss), the earlier the diagnosis, the higher the chance of recovery. Even if hearing loss is permanent, early detection can make a massive difference in seniors' quality of life.
By treating hearing loss, seniors can hear or perceive sound better, improving their communication abilities. When they can communicate and converse with others better, they're more likely to participate in engaging activities and events. The more connected and social they are, the lower their risks for isolation and loneliness.
Addressing hearing loss through early detection and treatment can also boost mental health, as it helps combat social isolation. It also gives seniors renewed self-esteem, as they can enjoy speaking with others more naturally.
Untreated hearing loss can make older adults more prone to accidental injuries because it can result in:
Hearing loss treatment, whether through medication or hearing aids, can help reduce those risks by improving spatial awareness and balance.
From trouble hearing to struggling with communication and experiencing mental health woes, these are all signs of hearing loss that seniors should never take for granted. Instead, they should have their ears and auditory functions tested immediately. The sooner they do, the sooner they can receive appropriate treatment and avoid symptom progression or other problems like falls.
TerraBella Summerville, our senior living community in Summerville, SC, prioritizes the well-being of our residents with round-the-clock personal care and a compassionate, peaceful environment. Our residents, including those with hearing loss, enjoy nutritious meals and access to daily activities and events that foster physical, social, and cognitive wellness.
Call us today to schedule a visit and see how we help our residents live life to the fullest!