Many Americans, particularly older adults, struggle with hearing loss. It is an extremely common problem in people over 65, and is often the result of a combination of factors. Simple wear-and-tear on the delicate mechanisms of the inner ear over time, in addition to sustained exposure to loud noises, certain medications, and some illnesses, can all contribute to hearing loss.

Hearing loss can be extremely frustrating, as it involves the gradual loss of a sense on which most people have depended throughout their lives. People with hearing loss often find it difficult to follow conversations, and may have to ask others to repeat themselves many times. To people with hearing loss, it may seem as though other people are not speaking clearly. It is frequently difficult for people experiencing hearing loss to hear in environments with lots of ambient noise, such as restaurants and other public places. For these reasons, many people with hearing loss have a tendency to become socially isolated, as trying to interact with others becomes too exasperating. Being unable to hear smoke alarms, verbal warnings, and the sounds of motor vehicles or other potential threats can pose additional risks.

Because of the potential hazards faced by those with hearing loss, as well as its general impact on quality of life, it’s important for people experiencing hearing loss to seek help right away. Hearing aids are a common, and often effective, treatment for hearing loss. A hearing aid is a small device that is placed in the ear and amplifies sound. For people with more profound hearing loss, a tiny electronic device called a cochlear implant is often helpful. This device is implanted in the inner ear by a surgeon, allowing the patient to regain some hearing. Other interventions include assistive listening devices that amplify sounds from the telephone, as well as smart phone and tablet apps, and hearing-loop systems in theaters and other public venues. Finally, the low-tech option of lip-reading is extremely effective for some people who suffer from hearing loss. Special training from a lip-reading coach or teacher can enable people with hearing loss to understand speech and participate in conversations with more comfort and ease.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care for hearing problems. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

General Home Care New York

Hearing loss is one of the most common health complaints in the United States. Older Americans, in particular, are at risk, with more than 30% of people aged between 64 and 74 suffering from hearing loss; after age 75, almost 50% of the population is affected. There are many possible sources of hearing loss, among them age, genetics, and long-term exposure to loud noises. People in certain occupations, such as musicians, carpenters, miners, and others who work in noisy environments, are at greater risk for hearing loss. Additionally, certain medications can contribute to hearing problems: some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction, among others, can have a detrimental effect on hearing.

The symptoms of hearing loss can be subtle and easy to miss, especially at first. Social withdrawal is a common symptom of hearing loss, as a person who has difficulty hearing and following conversations may find social interactions frustrating, and more trouble than they’re worth. Since many people become less social as they age, anyway, many older adults and their loved ones may not recognize social withdrawal as a symptom of hearing loss. Another key indicator of hearing loss is trouble hearing consonants: while vowel sounds may still be easy to detect, the consonants that give shape and meaning to words may fade. For people with hearing loss, speech and other sounds may seem muffled or indistinct. Needing to turn the volume up on the radio or television to ever-increasing levels is a symptom of hearing loss, as is consistently asking others to speak more loudly and slowly.

Hearing loss is often apparent, especially at first, in settings with a lot of background noise: people in the early stages of hearing loss may have trouble picking out certain words, or understanding the gist of a conversation, in a crowded setting, or one with lots of ambient noise. Hearing loss is a frustrating, though very common, part of aging. Although it can pose challenges in everyday life, new treatment technologies can help people with hearing loss to live full, satisfying lives with minimal impediment.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care for hearing problems. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

General Home Care New York