Hearing Loss Symptoms

Hearing loss symptoms are increasing
in the elderly population.
Hearing loss prevention has become a major public health problem. And one of the most prevalent elderly issues. Although hearing aid costs can be affordable and an effective solution, many elderly do not see a doctor to get a hearing test. A yearly hearing test is the best hearing loss prevention for those over age 65, and is recommended.

Hearing loss prevention is a concern of both the National Institute on Aging and the National Institutes of Health. They have compiled information of studies that indicate 2 million Americans over age 70 have some type of hearing loss. (And actually, 10% of the general population has hearing loss) Over one-third of people between ages 65 and 75 exhibit elderly hearing loss symptoms. In addition, half over age 85 have significant hearing reduction. (Are you mind-boggled with statistics yet?)

Elderly hearing loss is considered to be the third most common chronic condition in elderly health, after hypertension and arthritis. So it can be perceived as an inevitable part of aging. But this is not necessarily so. Many hearing loss symptoms can be successfully treated.

What Are The Symptoms?

Elderly hearing loss is often gradual. (Sudden hearing loss is a separate issue in another article). How do you know if you have hearing loss symptoms? Ask yourself a few simple questions:

Do you have difficulty hearing with background noise?
Do you have a hard time hearing over the phone, and find you often say, “What?” Or turn up the phone volume?
Do you turn up the volume on the TV, when others think the volume is fine?
Do people tell you that you talk loudly?
Do you think most people just mumble?
Do you think other people, like your spouse, just don’t talk loudly enough?
Do you frequently ask others to repeat what they said?
Do you notice certain tones or frequencies are less audible? Read our article on high frequency hearing loss -- and also learn about how I helped my Dad with his serious problem.

If you answered Yes to two or more of the above questions, when was the last time you saw a doctor to test hearing loss? Because symptoms can be gradual, many people do not realize they have a real problem.

But often elderly resist or are in denial so will not get a hearing test. It can sometimes further define the onset of “old age.” It can be stubbornness. Many elderly just don’t want to deal with the problem because the hassle and implications can be overwhelming. Other elderly people may admit they have hearing loss, but deny that it is affecting them and so do not obtain help.

It is crucial to get a yearly hearing test once you perceive any problems. Some symptoms are treatable. Hearing aid costs have become affordable -- there is a huge range. There are solutions that can be recommended to truly enhance quality of living. I know. I watched my Dad, who has serious hearing loss, experience a complete turn-around in his life.

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