Nobody can dispute the fact that as we grow in age, we will progressively face more health issues. Our bodies get weaker, and many physical changes will occur. For instance, your hearing will naturally start to weaken. And why is this so? What exactly does hearing loss mean? Read on to understand hearing loss in older adults.
What Is Hearing Loss?
First off, let us understand what is hearing loss. Hearing loss refers to the loss of ability to hear that can occur suddenly or gradually. It is one of the most typical problems that mature adults face. In fact, hearing loss affects one out of every three adults between the ages of 65 and 74, and nearly half of those over 75 have difficulties hearing.
How Does Hearing Loss Affect Someone?
Unfortunately, hearing loss makes it difficult for someone to understand and follow instructions, respond to warnings, or even, hear doorbells and alarms. Additionally, it can also make conversing with friends and loved ones difficult. And that is merely the physical hearing impacts that one can suffer from. Hearing loss can also impact one emotionally. When one experiences hearing loss, it can be aggravating and even humiliating for them.
Why Does Hearing Loss Occur?
So, why does hearing loss occur? It can happen for a variety of causes. Firstly, it can happen due to presbycusis. This refers to the natural occurrence of people gradually losing their hearing as they become older. While doctors are not completely sure why some people are affected more than others, it appears to run in families. In addition, years of exposure to loud noise may also contribute to hearing loss for mature adults. Specifically, noise-induced hearing loss is the name for this disorder. For instance, construction workers, farmers, musicians, airport employees, yard and tree care workers, and members in the armed services often suffer hearing impairments due to the long exposure to loud sounds. Some other reasons for hearing loss include viral or bacterial infections, heart issues including strokes, head traumas, tumors, and certain drugs.
What Can One Do to Battle Hearing Loss?
If you are a victim of hearing loss, do not worry. There are numerous ways to help with your hearing loss. Among these, one useful way is to go for treatments. While treatments for hearing loss are generally helpful, note that the treatment is determined by the severity of your hearing loss, and some treatments will be more effective than others. For instance, lip-reading or speech reading therapy can help you follow conversational speeches better.
Hearing aids can also improve hearing loss conditions. These electrical devices, which are worn in or behind your ear, helps to increase the volume of sounds that you hear. Here is a tip. Test out different hearing aids to discover the one that works best for you, and seek an audiologist or hearing aid expert to help you adjust it to suit you best.
In addition, you can get your friends and loved ones to help you in your journey of improving hearing loss. First off, inform them about your hearing loss so they can assist you better. In addition, request for them to face you while they converse so you can comprehend them better. Asking them to talk loudly and clearly can also help you in your journey of battling hearing loss.
