First, let’s test if the hearing loss is related to you.
- Can’t hear each other clearly when talking on the phone
- Finding it difficult to understand each other’s conversations when meeting new people
- When talking to someone, often ask them to repeat what they have said
- Need to turn up the volume when watching TV
- Have difficulty hearing family or friends when you are eating at a restaurant
If you have any of these signs, you may need to have your hearing checked.
Age-related hearing loss
Many factors can contribute to hearing loss as we age. It is difficult to distinguish age-related hearing loss from hearing loss due to other causes, such as long-term exposure to noise.
What is age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss is a progressive hearing loss that occurs in most people as they get older. It is one of the most common conditions that affect older adults and seniors.
Most older adults with hearing loss suffer from both age-related hearing loss and noise-induced hearing loss.
As we age, many factors can contribute to hearing loss. For example, diseases that are more common in older adults, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, can cause hearing loss.
What kind of help should seniors with hearing difficulties get?
Older adults with hearing difficulties cannot respond to doorbells and smoke alarms in a timely manner, which can cause unnecessary annoyance in their lives; hearing loss can also make it difficult for older adults to enjoy talking with family and friends, and they can become frustrated and isolated away from family and friends.
As family members and friends, we need to be considerate of them, we can speak loudly and clearly with the elderly face to face; we need to be more patient when talking rather than showing impatience to the elderly; do not make the elderly feel burdened.
Noise-induced hearing loss
Every day, we experience sound in our environment, such as from television and radio, household appliances and traffic. Usually, these sounds are at a safe level that does not damage our hearing. But when the sounds are too loud, even for a short period of time, or when they are both loud and persistent, they can be harmful.
What is noise-induced hearing loss?
Noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. Noise from lawn mowers, snow blowers or loud music can damage the inner ear and cause permanent hearing loss. Loud noises can also cause ringing in the ears. You can prevent most noise-related hearing loss. Protect yourself by turning off the sound from your stereo, TV or headphones; staying away from loud noises; or using earplugs or other ear protection.
Can noise-induced hearing loss be prevented?
Yes, noise-induced hearing loss is currently the only type that can be completely prevented.
You can protect yourself from noise-induced hearing loss by protecting your ears from sounds that are too loud and too long in duration. Examples include listening to loud music, racing cars, using lawn mowers, etc. We want to avoid loud noises, reduce prolonged exposure to noise, and use earplugs or earmuffs as the best way to protect your hearing and limit the potential loss of hearing as you age.
Devices to help with hearing loss
Hearing aids are often recommended by doctors for people with hearing loss.
Hearing aids are miniature, electronically rechargeable devices that can be worn to make the sounds heard louder, but the most important thing you can do if you think you have a hearing problem is to seek professional advice.
