Have you ever been so frustrated with someone because you've
repeated the same sentence 3 times - each time louder than the time
before? Yet you still receive a reply of, "What did you say?"
Perhaps you've been on the other end, frustrated that you have to
keep asking someone to speak up?
Well, don't pull your hair out because you're not alone. This is
a common scenario happening across the nation multiple times a day.
Affecting more than 9 million Americans over the age of 65 and 10
million 45-64, hearing loss is one of the most widespread chronic
conditions. It can be exasperating for those we are trying to
communicate with as well as have overwhelming consequences for
those of us actually suffering from hearing loss.
Millions of us think our hearing isn't bad enough yet or we can
get along without a hearing aid. We are either too embarrassed or
it's too expensive. We let vanity and denial stop us from treatment
that could improve our quality of life.
This is unfortunate because, when left untreated, hearing loss
has serious social and emotional consequences. Hearing-impaired
adults age 50 and older with untreated hearing loss are less likely
to participate in organized social activities. Social withdraw can
result in depression, anxiety, and minor degrees of intellectual
impairment. Additional emotional distress comes from the perception
that other people get angry at them for no reason and this can lead
to paranoia. In some cases, continuous hearing loss might be
misinterpreted as confusion, forgetfulness, or a sign of
dementia.
Because communication is essential for growth and happiness in
everyday living, it is important to put embarrassment aside and
identify the signs of hearing loss.
Common Symptoms of Hearing Loss:
- Frequently misinterpreting what is said to you
- Requesting words/phrases to be repeated regularly
- Constantly increasing the radio or TV Volume
- Conversations in noisy settings (like restaurants) are hard to
follow
- Voices often sound muffled, indistinct, or distorted
- Difficulty in understanding women and children more than
men
- Guessing what others are saying to you from context
- Tuning out in large gatherings because it is too difficult to
keep up with conversations
- Realizing you are speaking loudly, due to difficulty hearing
your own voice
If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, talk to
your doctor about a hearing evaluation. Who knows, you may find the
issue is as simple as a wax blockage. Let your doctor recommend a
solution that will improve you or your loved one's quality of life
drastically.
Carrie Robertson
Research & Community Education
Chicago Senior Living
Assisted Living
in Chicago