Improve Your Quality of Life: Managing Age-Related Hearing Loss
Hearing loss due to aging is known as presbycusis. While it is common to experience a decline in hearing ability as we age, it does not have to affect quality of life. Learn more about what age-related hearing loss is, how to identify it, and how you can best manage it.
How Does Your Hearing Change As You Get Older?
Medically known as presbycusis, age-related hearing loss occurs in older adults as a result of the hair cells in the inner ear – responsible for hearing – naturally deteriorating. The risk for hearing loss increases in adults over the age of 65. In fact, 1 in 3 older adults have some degree of hearing loss. If you have noticed a decline in your hearing ability, it’s important to act as soon as possible by scheduling a hearing exam.
What Are the Signs of Hearing Loss?
Age-related hearing loss often occurs gradually, over the course of a few years. You may not notice right away that you have a hearing loss as your brain has most likely adjusted to not hearing certain sounds anymore. Here are some common indicators that you should have your hearing checked:
- You frequently ask others to repeat themselves
- You miss parts of the conversation
- It seems like everyone around you mumbles
- You can hear but you lack clarity
- It’s difficult to hear when there is background noise (for example in a restaurant)
- You need the TV or radio turned up louder than others like
- A loved one has suggested you have your hearing tested
How to Manage Hearing Loss
If left untreated, hearing loss can have a negative effect on your overall well-being. Studies have shown that older adults with hearing loss have a higher chance of dementia. If you have noticed a decline in your hearing, it’s important to have your hearing checked immediately. The sooner hearing loss is managed with hearing aids, the less likely you will be of experiencing cognitive decline or losing your speech comprehension.
Have Your Hearing Tested
To determine if you could be helped by hearing aids, a hearing test must first be performed. The team at Alliance Hearing Center are experts in hearing evaluations and hearing aid technology. We offer diagnostic services for the people of Concord, Peterborough, Hooksett, and the surrounding areas.
Schedule an appointment today and help your ears age gracefully!