Hearing is one of the amazing, automatic processes that our bodies perform every day. We use our hearing to communicate with friends and family. Furthermore, sounds can keep us safe. Even with things we take for granted. For example, the sound of a car horn can alert us to an oncoming vehicle. Hearing is an essential part of our day to day functioning. Unfortunately, disabling hearing loss affects nearly 164.5 million seniors. Addressing hearing loss in seniors can improve quality of life immensely. However, about 80 percent suffer in silence, when there are options to help.
First of all, hearing loss is a completely normal part of aging. Most likely, it won’t signal another more serious health condition. This U.S. News article says changes in the ear as we age are usually the culprit for this common impairment. Some can be genetic, and some environmental. Hearing loss is mainly attributed to cellular degeneration in the cochlea of the ear in seniors. The cochlea is a small fluid filled structure inside the ear that receives sound vibrations.
Despite hearing loss being a normal part of aging, it’s important to not accept this impairment as your new normal. There are great options available to help you restore a lot of your hearing. The two most common are hearing aids and cochlear implants. Hearing aids are the most routine device given to those with hearing loss. Hearing aids are probably the easiest option. But they do need to be adjusted throughout your life to maintain optimal hearing.
In contrast, cochlear implants are a more invasive option. This surgical procedure involves inserting devices that bypass the part of the ears that no longer work well. Then these devices simulate the “hearing nerve”. People have described cochlear implants as “miracle devices”. But the pros and cons of a surgical procedure for seniors should always be considered.
The first step is to contact your primary care provider. They will likely refer you to an audiologist. This type of specialist can conduct thorough testing and discuss your best options with you. Also, seniors should generally have a basic hearing test as part of their preventative health care. Although hearing loss is common as we age, these options mean that it doesn’t have to be your new normal.