“Pardon?” is what many of us say when we don’t hear something clearly. But all too often, seniors with hearing loss just give up saying ‘pardon’ and become reclusive. 69% of seniors suffer from hearing loss.
It’s often said that losing your hearing is worse than losing your sight. Age-related hearing loss may be inevitable for most, but it doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it. Hearing aid technology has come a long way in the last five years.
But let’s step back a moment and look at hearing loss. There are two kinds: conductive (of the outer and middle ear, which is usually temporary and treatable) and sensorineural (of the inner ear, which is usually permanent and will likely require a hearing instrument). A few seniors suffer from both types. Of course, prevention is better than cure, but I won’t discuss prevention here. Your GP can help with conductive hearing loss, but you’ll need to see a qualified specialist (an Audiologist) to assess and correct sensori-neural hearing loss. Do not be tempted to order a hearing aid by mail-order – the chances of a satisfactory outcome are very low.
The treatment of hearing loss can improve: intimacy and warmth in family relationships, communication in relationships, perception of mental functioning, sense of control over life events, emotional stability, physical health, and group social participation.
Just as important is that treatment can help reduce: discrimination toward the person with the hearing loss, depression, hearing loss compensation behaviours (pretending you hear), anger and frustration in relationships, feelings of paranoia, anxiety, social phobias and self-criticism.
Hearing aids don’t just amplify sound, they clarify the sounds you want to hear, and some even minimize (filter) the sounds you don’t.
The leading reason why seniors don’t take corrective action is stigma, followed by inadequate information, and the belief that nothing can be done. Of course, cost is an issue: few insurance policies cover hearing aids, and the government provides little help if any (though DVA does help veterans). Your GP can arrange a hearing test, but a private one costs less than $50 and waiting time is minimal.
Just about everyone who tries an aid likes it. Most wonder how they ever got along without it! A qualified Audiologist can show you – literally – what you’ve been missing all these years. The difference will astound you!
I would like to thank Dr.David Lyon of Audiology Associates, Dartmouth, for his invaluable help with this article.
By, Alex Handyside, CPCA
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