Hearing Loss in Seniors

Hearing Loss in Seniors

Approximately one-third of all seniors between the ages of 65 and 74 have some type of hearing loss. The increase in hearing loss for seniors over the age 85 is 50%.

If you've noticed a parent or loved one who seems withdrawn from social activities or discussions and/or seems slightly depressed, or perhaps confused or uncaring, it could be they are possibly suffering from some type of hearing loss. Believe it or not, some adults find the fact that they are "going deaf" as embarrassing or even scary.

Presbycusis is the most common age-related hearing loss. The second most common type of hearing loss is noise-induced hearing loss. In both types of hearing loss, the ability to hear high pitched sounds is lost. Those suffering may have a hard time hearing high-pitched consonants such as "s," as well as hearing children or women's voices.


Signs You or Your Loved One is Suffering From Hearing Loss:

1. Difficulty hearing over the phone.
2. Turning the tv volume up to a level that is uncomfortable for others.
3. Difficulty understanding children or women speaking.
4. Difficulty following a conversation with more than one person.
5. Background noise making it difficult to follow a conversation.
6. Feeling as if everyone is mumbling.

If you think someone is suffering from hearing loss, please get them to a doctor. It could be as simple as having wax build-up or it could be there is definitely a loss of hearing.