Hearing Loss: A Common but Overlooked Health Concern
“Blindness cuts us off from things, but deafness cuts us off from people.”
— Helen Keller
Hearing loss affects nearly 50 million Americans, including almost half of those over age 75. Yet about 15 million people with hearing loss in the U.S. do not seek help.
Hearing loss goes beyond turning up the radio or asking someone to repeat themselves. Studies show it is linked to serious health conditions such as dementia, due to the increased mental effort required to process sound. It can also lead to social isolation, which affects emotional well-being and quality of life.
If you or someone you know is experiencing hearing loss, here are steps to improve communication, health, and overall quality of life:
Seek Help Early
Unlike vision problems, hearing loss often develops gradually and may go unnoticed. On average, people wait seven years before seeking help. Signs you may need a hearing check include regularly increasing the TV volume. You may find that you are unable to participate in conversations because you didn’t hear what was being said. If these problems are cropping up, it’s a good idea to get it checked out.
Get a Professional Hearing Evaluation
An audiologist can diagnose the type and degree of hearing loss. Regular hearing tests should be part of annual health checkups, especially for those over 65.
Explore Hearing Aids and Assistive Devices
Today’s hearing aids are more discreet and effective than ever, with features like Bluetooth connectivity and noise filtering. While traditional Medicare does not cover hearing aids, 88% of Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C) do, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Ask your audiologist for recommendations and check online reviews. Be sure to inquire about no-risk trial periods in case adjustments or returns are needed.
Use Communication Strategies
Let others know about your hearing loss so they can support you by speaking clearly and facing you directly. Choose quieter settings for conversations and limit background noise whenever possible.
Stay Socially Engaged
Hearing loss can lead to isolation and loneliness, which are linked to a higher risk of depression, heart disease, cognitive decline, and a weakened immune system. Stay connected with others and consider joining a support group such as the Hearing Loss Association of America, which offers peer support and coping strategies.
Support Your General Health
Good circulation and brain health contribute to better hearing. Staying active, managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and monitoring medications can help. Research has shown that people with diabetes are twice as likely to experience hearing loss.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
Smartphone apps can transcribe conversations or amplify sound. Other helpful tools include closed captioning, TV amplifiers, captioned phones, and personal sound amplifiers.
Stay Informed
The more you learn about your hearing condition, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed decisions and advocate for your needs.
At Brightmore of Wilmington, our strategic partnerships with healthcare providers enable us to make recommendations of top audiologists and other medical specialists. Our objective is to provide our residents with the best and easiest access to excellent care.