According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), chronic hearing impairment becomes more common as we age. As we become older, our hearing becomes less sensitive because some of the cells in our inner ear cannot respond well to sounds anymore. Hearing problems can also be caused by disease, heredity and noise.
About one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 experience hearing loss. Half of those who are older than 75 face issues with hearing. Many older adults are experiencing hearing loss and hearing loss is often inadequately addressed. Therefore, hearing loss is now a major health issue for older people and its consequences are beyond just losing the ability to hear.
How Hearing Loss Can Affect Your Quality of Life
Hearing loss among older adults can have a significantly negative impact on their everyday lives. The loss of hearing in older adults negatively affects the physical, cognitive and social aspects of their lives.
Experts state that even mild untreated hearing loss can bring about adverse effects on a person’s cognitive, social, psychological, and overall health. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to a litany of undesirable effects on the quality of life of older people including:
- Fatigue, tension, stress, and depression
- Irritability, negative attitudes and anger
- Social rejection and loneliness
- Avoidance or withdrawal from social situations
- Increased number of falls and accidents
- Reduced alertness and increased risk to personal safety
- Potential decrease in cognitive skills
- Impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks
- Reduced short-term memory
- Diminished psychological and overall health
- Higher incidence of dementia
With so many potential issues you could face as a result of hearing loss, it is good to catch hearing problems early on and seek treatment.
What You Can Do About Hearing Loss
Specialists recommend that everyone who is over the age of 60 should check their hearing annually by a doctor. If hearing loss is suspected, you should have a board-certified audiologist conduct an audiology evaluation. The professionals will work together to find the most effective way to treat hearing loss. By following the guidelines, older adults can receive the hearing treatment that they need.
The good news is that hearing aids today are digital, sophisticated, programmable and aesthetic looking. These devices are able to improve hearing even in crowded and noisy environments. Studies even show that many of those wearing hearing aids report significant positive results. A recent survey showed that hearing aid use brings about a positive effect on the quality of life for both the wearer and their loved ones.
Experience Senior Living At Morada Lake Arlington
Morada Lake Arlington is a world-class retirement community that is located in Arlington. Arlington is a wonderful city all on its own, full of entertainment options and amenities. It also comes with the small-town way of life that many people in Texas love. In our community, you can enjoy freedom and independence, yet receive the help you need. Stay engaged with all the events and activities we have going on here. Feel free to contact us for more information.
