Managing Hearing Loss for Yourself and Your Loved Ones
OMG. I can’t hear anything that woman is saying! I was at a play and couldn’t hear a single word that one of the three performers was saying. She should speak up! How VERY annoying. After that frustrating theater experience, I began noticing a few more people who I couldn’t hear and who should be speaking louder. Some months later, I realized that I was the one who had a problem and decided that it was time to have my hearing checked out by a nearby audiologist. The audiologist said I had mild to moderate hearing loss and I would be wise to consider hearing aids. I reluctantly decided to go ahead and try some out.
Hearing some Facts and Figures
After the trial period, I still wasn’t convinced about keeping them until I did some research. According to the recent 2024 National Council on Aging (NCOA) Advisory, in the US, “hearing loss among older adults is common, affecting 1 in 3 people between the ages of 65 and 74, and nearly half of those older than 75.”
While many of us understand that the risk of hearing loss increases as we age, what we don’t realize is that hearing loss itself brings many increased health risks. Severe hearing loss can raise the risk of developing dementia. According to the NCOA Advisory, even mild hearing loss can double the risk of dementia, while moderate and severe hearing loss can triple and quintuple the risk, respectively. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have found that “for every additional 10 decibels of hearing loss” you experience, the likelihood of falling increases by 140 percent.
Moreover, as hearing loss worsens, individuals are more likely to experience mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Many people also face decreases in confidence and self-esteem when they struggle to hear and actively participate in conversations.
However, the vast majority of those individuals over 70 with hearing loss do not use hearing aids. There are significant barriers hindering people getting the care they need. First, there is the stigma that using hearing aids announces to the world that you are old. More importantly, the high cost of hearing aids makes them inaccessible to many elders living on a tight, fixed budget. Even though you can purchase basic hearing aids for less than $1500, this price tag is a major obstacle for many people. Big news, take note: Apple is about to release an app that will allow their AirPods Pro 2 to be used as hearing aids.
Another obstacle is the widespread lack of user satisfaction. According to U.S. News, while some private Medicare Advantage plans may cover the costs of hearing tests and a set of hearing aids, this depends on your coverage. It is shameful that the US government doesn’t provide care and help to people of all ages with hearing loss.
Given how much hearing affects our health and well-being, and how much the technology has improved, I decided to interview several people to learn more about their day-to-day experience.
Personal Stories
I’ll start with Carolyn, who is in her mid-eighties and has had hearing aids for five years. She told me her hearing loss is mild to moderate. She explained, “The aids have helped a lot. However, it often takes me a lot of effort to follow a conversation, so sometimes I stop trying.” She added that her husband of fifty years also has some moderate hearing loss and doesn’t seem to hear a lot of what she says. This can leave Carolyn feeling like she is invisible.
Then we have Harry, 79, a widower who became profoundly deaf in his late sixties. His whole life has been affected by this loss. He told me, “I don’t go into groups or attend social gatherings. It is only in quiet, one-on-one situations that I can hear anything. I also have a delay in actually understanding words.” Recently, Harry has gotten help from Caption Call, a free phone system that creates live text from what his callers are saying. This makes it possible for him to enjoy conversations on his phone once again. It is a sad fact that Harry’s hearing loss still leaves him socially isolated most of the time.
I’ve learned that difficulty processing words is quite common, and the general public has little understanding of this issue. I, like many others, first noticed this when I was watching TV. Closed captions are very helpful!
As I discovered more about hearing loss and hearing aids, I gradually accepted that it would be wise for me to keep using my aids. However, I did check with my audiologist once again and she was able to make a few more adjustments that helped.
Dear readers, I believe there is so much that you can do to take control and manage hearing loss. If you follow these tips you will improve both your communication with those you care about and also the quality of your relationships.
Tips for Those Experiencing Hearing Loss
Get your hearing tested if you have any symptoms of loss — almost everyone waits too long before getting checked out.
Remember that hearing aids protect your health, safety, and well-being even though your loss may be only mild to moderate.
If your hearing aids don’t seem to make much difference, speak up and get retested to determine if adjustments are needed. It is worth it.
Make socializing with family and friends a top priority.
Arrange to meet friends and family one-on-one at a quiet place where you can sit near each other and look at each other.
Tips for Interacting with a Person Experiencing Hearing Loss
If a family member is resisting getting hearing aids or says they don’t work for them, positively encourage them to try again.
When trying to talk to a person with hearing loss, first get their attention. Never call them from another room.
Never shout. When you are not being understood, don’t keep raising your voice. Don’t repeat your exact words over and over. Say it in a different way.
Speak slowly, looking directly at their face.
One-on-one conversations are a wonderful way to deepen relationships.
While we don’t always like to admit we are getting older, we are. Hearing loss is a natural part of aging. There is nothing to feel ashamed of or embarrassed by. Facing your hearing loss head-on and taking control is the best way to manage it.
Comments