Hearing aids are primarily intended
for hearing loss that stems from damage to the small sensory cells in the inner
ear, known as hair cells, and is referred to as sensorineural hearing loss. The damage can be caused by diseases or injury
from loud noises or trauma as well as aging (Presbycusis).
Although it is unclear why,
Presbycusis seems to run in families and is also associated with years of
exposure to loud noises known as noise-induced hearing loss. In fact the
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) says
that “It is one of the most common conditions affecting older and elderly
adults.” They add that, “Approximately
one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss and nearly
half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing.”
So what should you do if you suspect
that you are experiencing a hearing loss?
The NIDCD recommends that you seek professional medical advice starting with
your doctor. From there, your doctor may
refer you to a specialist such as an otolaryngologist, an audiologist, or a
hearing aid specialist. Otolaryngologists
will try to diagnose why you are experiencing a hearing loss and may send you
to an audiologist to be fitted for a hearing aid.
A hearing aid is one way to deal with
a hearing loss but there are several other treatments and devices commonly used. Hearing aids make sounds louder and the NIDCD
advises that you wear a hearing aid on a trial basis to ensure it is a good fit
for you as often it takes a couple of tries to get fitted properly. For severe hearing loss, you may be fitted
with a small electronic device surgically implanted in the inner ear called a cochlear
implant. Other solutions include
assistive listening devices such as “amplifying devices, smart phones or tablet
"apps," and closed circuit systems.”
Finally learning to read lips can be helpful.
**This blog is intended for
informational purposes only. Always
consult your health care provider regarding all medical decisions. **
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Source:nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pages/older.aspx
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